Nick Strobel, director of the William M. Thomas Planetarium and an astronomy instructor at Bakersfield College, will present a free talk on the planetarium’s history, major upgrades and educational programs. He will outline the facility’s opening in 1962, more than $2 million in federal and local improvements, and its 2006 renaming. The event includes safe solar viewing hosted by the Kern County Astronomical Society and recommendations for local stargazing spots. The talk runs Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon in the Local History Room at 701 Truxtun Ave.
Explore the William M. Thomas Planetarium: History, Upgrades and Live Solar Viewing
Beale Memorial Library hosts a special astronomy presentation this Saturday when Nick Strobel, Bakersfield College astronomy instructor and director of the William M. Thomas Planetarium, recounts the planetarium’s history and impact.
What the Talk Covers
Strobel will trace the planetarium’s origins after its opening on the Bakersfield College campus in northeast Bakersfield in 1962, describe major modernizations that included more than $2 million in federal and local upgrades, and explain the 2006 renaming that helped shape its regional identity. He will also highlight the planetarium’s growth into an educational hub that welcomes thousands of students each year.
Programs and Public Engagement
The presentation will review the planetarium’s current lineup of more than 15 shows covering Earth and Moon science, Mars, black holes, supervolcanoes, icy worlds, earthquakes and human space exploration. According to a library news release, the facility hosts more than 4,500 students annually from elementary through high school.
Hands-On Activities
Members of the Kern County Astronomical Society will bring solar telescopes, giving attendees the rare, safe opportunity to view the sun. Society volunteers will also distribute educational materials suitable for all ages, and a library staff member and local stargazing enthusiast will recommend the best nearby and regional observing spots.
Speaker Credentials
Strobel holds a B.S. in Astronomy and Physics from the University of Arizona and both a M.S. and Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Washington. He has served full time as Bakersfield College’s astronomy instructor and planetarium director since 1996, is the author of the online textbook "Astronomy Notes," and writes a biweekly astronomy column for The Bakersfield Californian.
Event Details
When: Saturday, 11 a.m. to noon
Where: Local History Room, 2nd floor, Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave.
Cost: Free and open to the public
The Local History Room houses books, directories, maps, periodicals and photographs documenting a wide range of Kern County history. For more information, visit kernlibrary.org or call the Local History Room at 661-868-0774.
