The University of Alaska Fairbanks expects the stars to align for a spring opening of its new planetarium, currently under construction on the west side of the Museum of the North.

The new 65-seat facility was funded by a $7.4 million donation from Walt and Marita Babula, who were previously anonymous. Now, the planetarium will be named after them due to what UAF said is its single-largest donation.

“Aspirations and grand visions like our new planetarium can sometimes seem out of reach,” said Mike Sfraga, UAF’s interim chancellor. “We are so grateful for the partnership that has enabled Walt and Marita’s vision to be realized and create this extraordinary place that will educate and inspire Alaskans and museum visitors for generations to come.”

The planetarium project also benefits from

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