New Planetarium at UAF Underway

Planetarium construction at the Museum of The North. UAF photo by Karen Tomasik.

A new planetarium is currently being constructed at UAF as an addition to the Museum of The North. Once complete it will be the farthest north planetarium in North America. The planetarium is scheduled to open in spring 2026, according to the Museum of The North's website.

The groundwork began in September 2024 with construction scheduled to be complete in late 2025. The planetarium was made possible by donation from M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, as well as donations from Sarah and Cary Keller.

The 5,700 square-foot planetarium will feature a 65-seat theater housed in an 11 meter dome. The planetarium will offer shows and programming to UAF students and faculty, the Fairbanks community, and visitors to the area.

Citations:

Boyce, Rod. June 24, 2025. Planetarium construction begins, Murdock Trust joins project. UAF Geophysical Institute (Fairbanks, AK).

Staff. 2025. Planetarium, Museum of The North. UAF Museum of The North (Fairbanks, AK).