DSU’s Wiley Planetarium gets grant to expand programming
The Roy L. and Clara Belle Wiley Planetarium at Delta State has been awarded a grant from the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi. The funding will support the expansion of the planetarium’s programming by highlighting the region’s rich music heritage and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of sound among audiences.
The grant will be used to purchase an engaging and educational planetarium film titled Global Soundscapes, which delves into the fascinating physics of sound. The innovative interactive program will explore how sound is produced, transmitted and perceived, offering viewers a captivating journey through the world of acoustics. By integrating this film into the Wiley Planetarium’s offerings, Delta State University aims to connect audiences with the scientific and cultural aspects of sound, emphasizing its importance in the region’s storied music legacy and further exploring how sound permeates our region’s natural environment.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi,” said Dr. Maria Weber, assistant professor of physics and planetarium director of the Wiley Planetarium. “This funding enables us to create unique educational experiences that combine global music heritage with the acoustics of surrounding ecosystems, perfectly linking with the Delta’s unique music traditions and natural environment. The addition of Global Soundscapes to our programming underscores our commitment to providing innovative, interdisciplinary learning experiences for our community.”
The Wiley Planetarium is dedicated to inspiring curiosity and exploration through immersive educational programs in astronomy and related sciences. With the introduction of Global Soundscapes, the planetarium will broaden its scope, attracting diverse audiences and enriching the cultural and scientific landscape of the region.
The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi’s mission is to connect people, resources and causes to transform communities for the better. By supporting initiatives like this, the foundation underscores its commitment to promoting education and preserving the unique cultural heritage of Northwest Mississippi.
The Global Soundscapes program will debut at the Wiley Planetarium this spring, and details about showtimes and ticketing will be available soon. Global Soundscapes is a co-production of Foxfire Interactive, Purdue University, and Masters Digital with major support from the National Science Foundation. For more information, visit online www.deltastate.edu/planetarium/.
