Book Review: 100 Years of Planetaria: 100 Stories of People, Places, and Devices
May 2025 :
Book Review: 100 Years of Planetaria: 100 Stories of People, Places, and Devices
by Matthew McMahon, et al., Nature Switzerland AG: Springer, 2024, ISBN 978-3-031-75495-1, paperback, $29.99, US
Reviewed by Francine Jackson
At first glance, the reader might believe this book is just a year-by-year history of the planetarium from 1923 on; but, instead, it’s a lot more. Not only are there stories of the planetarium from first thought to the incredible facilities of today, but there are personal accounts of the people who are a part of this profession, not only from just performing programs, but who also made this a great place to work, one that anybody venturing into it takes great pride, knowing it’s not just a short teaching moment, but a way to inform the public as to the beauty of the sky.
The term “planetarium” is older than the machine now normally in the center of a circular room: it began centuries ago as another term for an orrery, many of which can now be found in museums all over the world.
From 1923, with Walter Bauersfeld’s invention of the projection system, the concept of sitting in a room and seeing what now many cannot see, a beautiful, dark, night sky, became at first a privilege. But, then came Armand Spitz, who believed everyone should have this incredible experience. Now, there are thousands of planetarium facilities, as part of museums, in schools, or even stand-alone structures
In addition, other implements, some small – pointers, handmade special effects projectors – and large – slide projectors, laser projection – and more yet to be invented, all make the visitor’s time in the dark a wonderful experience.
