The Science Factory in Eugene isn’t just for children. And it’s got more going on than astronomy – try laser beams and rock music.
The museum and planetarium near Autzen Stadium is hosting laser light shows for two more weeks starting Friday. The programs combine laser lights and music from bands such as the Beatles, Metallica, U2 and Pink Floyd.
The planetarium used to show laser light shows about 10 years ago when it was operated by Lane Education Service District, said Joyce Berman, executive director of the Science Factory. The equipment became outdated, and the program stopped.
The Science Factory started operating the planetarium about five years ago, Berman said.
“We had continuing requests from people and the public who came through here wanting laser shows,” she said.
The museum looked into purchasing new equipment, but the devices were too expensive, Berman said. The current equipment is being rented.
“If we do see a real interest in the shows, which I think we’re seeing, we will then go ahead and probably rent the equipment again for the fall,” she said, adding last week’s show has already paid for the cost of renting the equipment.
Some shows combine music and laser lights, and others focus on astronomy and look at different constellations, said Susan Peterson, planetarium director.
She said the equipment used for the shows looks “like a flying saucer on a tall pole in the middle of the room” that connects to a computer, which has all of the music and light movements programmed onto it.
Peterson said students would be interested in the shows.
“If you’ve never seen a laser light show before – most students’ parents grew up with them – it’s something they should experience,” Peterson said. “It ties them into what their parents were experiencing in their college days, and it’s just a unique form of entertainment.”
Although the Science Factory traditionally reaches out to families with children, anyone is welcome to the museum, Berman said.
She added the shows may attract students to other programs, including the Science Pub series, informal gathering with science experts at area bars.
“We want to get those interested in science here to the museum and get them exposed to what kind of programs we have,” Berman said.
Spectacle of light
Daily Emerald
February 29, 2008
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