A Decade of Wonder: Ball State Celebrates Charles W. Brown Planetarium
In the last 10 years, Indiana’s largest planetarium has inspired thousands of visitors of all ages—free of charge
For 10 years, the Charles W. Brown Planetarium at Ball State University has been a gateway to the stars, sparking wonder and curiosity for more than 180,000 visitors.
As Indiana’s largest and most technologically advanced planetarium, it has become a cherished resource for exploring the mysteries of space, offering free programs that educate, inspire, and bring the universe closer to home.
Equipped with a 16-meter dome and cutting-edge HYBRID technology—including full-dome digital projectors and an opto-mechanical star projector capable of 70K resolution—the planetarium provides breathtaking recreations of the night sky.
“The Charles W. Brown Planetarium is one of the crown jewels of our beautiful campus,” said Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns. “I am grateful for Mr. Brown’s transformational support and the vision of our planetarium, which bring the wonders of the universe to life every day.”
Mr. Brown, recalling memorable trips to Chicago’s Adler Planetarium, said he was happy to support the University’s efforts to build a new planetarium when former President Dr. Jo Ann Gora approached him with the idea many years ago.
Charles W. Brown (right), ’71, and his wife, Dr. Louise Tetrick (left), pose for a picture during a celebration of the 10th anniversary of Ball State’s Charles W. Brown Planetarium on Nov. 18., 2024.
Attendees at the planetarium’s 10th anniversary celebration tour the solar system, thanks to the facility’s 16-meter dome—the largest in Indiana—and cutting-edge technology.
A 1971 Ball State graduate and longtime University donor, Mr. Brown quickly became acquainted with Dr. Ronald Kaitchuck, MS ’72, former executive planetarium director and professor emeritus of physics and astronomy, whose tireless efforts to build and promote the planetarium were inspiring.
“Without the vision and perseverance of Ron Kaitchuck, the planetarium would not be the incredible resource it has become,” Mr. Brown said. “The planetarium is now a beacon of learning and imagination, making science and space exploration accessible to everyone.”
Under the leadership of current director Dayna Thompson, MS ’12, the planetarium has hosted more than 3,500 free events, including school field trips, public programs, and interdisciplinary collaborations. From astronomy-themed poetry workshops to live music under the stars, the facility has become a hub for creativity, exploration, and inclusiveness.
“Our mission is to inspire,” Ms. Thompson said. “We aim to ignite curiosity and make the universe feel closer for everyone who visits.
“This planetarium is more than just a building—it’s a place where imagination thrives, and lifelong learning begins.”
