Adrian College provides out-of-this-world experiences for students and the public

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – The total solar eclipse that we witnessed earlier this month peaked a lot of interest in the universe. Our region is full of opportunities to put our eyes to the skies, and that includes a planetarium and observatory in Lenawee County.

Adrian College is home to the Robinson Planetarium. It’s a place to get a look at the universe without leaving earth. All you have to do is sit back and look up at an out-of-this-world show!

“You can see stars, planets phenomenon we’ve taped, like the solar eclipse,” Mark Fairclough, the director of the planetarium and observatory said.

And speaking of the eclipse that cut a path through our region, Fairclough hopes it draws new eyes to the skies.

“This is the second one I’ve seen and it was more breathtaking than the first in 2017. It was awesome,” Fairclough said.

Fairclough loves watching the planetarium work its magic on visitors.

“When all the lights are down, many times I’ll often play nature sounds like birds and crickets. People are like whoa! I lose some people, they fall asleep because it’s so beautiful. Many times I’ll take a group from sunset to sunrise they love seeing all the night’s activities related to it,” Fairclough said.

Fairclough’s love of stars and planets started in the second grade.

“I got a telescope and microscope that year and I’ve never looked back,” Fairclough said.

The planetarium and observatory aren’t just for students at the college. There are free programs for the public on a regular basis.

“What I try to do is have at least two programs a month. I pick a topic or a theme. If you have a group that wants to come for a visit you can also make a suggestion,” Fairclough said.

You can also host some of our world’s biggest celebrations here.

“We’ve had weddings, birthday parties. Little kids, I’d say kindergarten and up, enjoy it the most, it gets lots of oohs and ahs,” Fairclough said.

Fairclough loves watching children discover the universe.

“Probably the most awe-striking thing we do is let little ones have a look at the moon. The large scope upstairs is phenomenal when it comes to seeing mountains, craters and valleys on the moon,” Fairclough said.

The programs for the public continue throughout the summer. There are also special camps.

If you’d like to learn more about the Robinson Planetarium, click here.

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