James S. McDonnell Planetarium Celebrates 50th Anniversary with First Director

By Carmelo Turdo

The James S. McDonnell Planetarium at the St. Louis Science Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a series of special events this month.  Tonight's event included an address by Charles Schweighauser, the first Planetarium Director and Professor Emeritus of Astronomy and Physics at University of Illinois, Springfield.  Following a reception and tour of the space program exhibits, the invited guests gathered to hear Schweighauser present a scholarly review of the progress made in the field of astronomy since 1963.  A 50th anniversary cake was also provided following the program.  

  

Here are some views of this evening's event:

President and CEO Bert Vescolani (R) greets Charles Schweighauser

 

Charles Schweighauser addresses the audience

James S. McDonnell Planetarium space exhibit

 

Mercury astronaut suits worn by Gus Grissom and Gordon Cooper*

 

Mercury and Gemini spacecraft on display

 

 


Mark Nankivil points out design features of the Planetarium**



*Mercury space suits are on loan from the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum
**Mark Nankivil is President of the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum