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The Fleischman Atmospherium Planetarium
Photo by Charles Miller,
Courtesy of Nevada State Historic Preservation Office |
Located at the northwestern edge of the University of Nevada-Reno campus,
the Fleischmann Atmospherium Planetarium was built in 1963 as the first
atmospherium of its kind in the world. While other planetaria featured
views of the night sky and solar system, the Fleischmann Atmospherium
Planetarium, could simulate both day and night conditions and a full range
of atmospheric phenomena, including cloud formations, thunderstorms and
rainbows. The first planetarium, the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, opened
in 1930. But it wasn't until the 1960s that widespread public interest
in space exploration and science, coupled with improved technology led
to an increase in the number of planetaria, as they spread to mid-size
American cities such as Reno. Designed by Reno architect Raymond Hellman
and constructed by McKenzie Construction, the atmospherium is an excellent
example of the Populuxe style of architecture, characterized by space-age
designs that depict motion, such as boomerangs, flying saucers, atoms,
and parabola. Building such as this reflect American society's emphasis
on futuristic designs and fascination with space-age themes during the
1960s.
The Fleischman Atmospherium Planetarium's
design depicts motion
Photo by Charles Miller, courtesy of Nevada State Historic Preservation
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Dr. Wendell A. Mordy, director of the University of Nevada's Desert
Research Institute, envisioned that the atmospherium would not only
be a home for the institute but a place where students, physicists and
the public could learn about weather and the atmosphere. It was the
first planetarium in the nation to feature a 360-degree projector capable
of providing horizon-to-horizon images and through time-lapse photography
showing an entire day's weather in a few minutes. Although no longer
is use, the atmospherium initially featured an experimental solar heating
and cooling system designed by Desert Research Institute. The system
consisted of 19 louvers, black on one side and white on the other, capable
of being rotated to reflect or absorb light. An 18,000-gallon water
tank served as a heat exchange unit.
The Fleischmann Atmospherium Planetarium is located on the north
end of the University of Nevada's Reno campus, just off North Virginia
St. The planetarium and science center are open Monday-Friday 8:00am
to 8:00pm; Saturday and Sunday 10:30am to 8:00pm; there is a fee. For
more information and show schedules call 775-784-4811 or visit the planetarium's
website.
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