Demolition of McLaughlin Planetarium announced

Earlier this week the University of Toronto announced that the McLaughlin Planetarium would be demolished to make way for a Jewish museum and cultural centre. Toronto Star article.

THe McLaughlin Planetarium was open between 1968 and 1995.

Earthshine has long lobbied for a public outreach science facility in the western GTA. A new museum / technology innovation centre with an astronomy / space exploration component would be a great place for families to visit and explore the universe.

It seems many people in the Toronto area miss the McLaughlin Planetarium. Today (September 12) a Toronto Star article explores the impact of the planetarium on the city. Earthshine is quoted extensively in the article.

Earthshine President is quoted:

“We feel that the western GTA is underserviced for any kind of science outreach,” said Randy Attwood, Earthshine’s president. “You need something to introduce families to the wonders of the universe.”

“Essentially now (planetariums) take audiences on trips through the universe. You can in fact fly somebody through the solar system,” said Attwood, who is also the executive director of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

Not only are they a place for learning, but planetariums also provide an excellent spot for family outings and cultural engagement, he added.

“It’s like a library — a library does not make you money, but it’s an important component to a community.”

Here is a link to the Toronto Star article.

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