The renovation is made possible through a $1.2 million gift from Leslye and Ray Shellam honoring Leslye’s late father, Arkansas business leader L. Dickson Flake, and her late mother, Linda Blaine Flake. The Shellam Flake Planetarium will soon reopen after nearly two decades. But for faculty and students, the reopening is about far more than renovation and technology upgrades. It signals a new era of immersive, interdisciplinary learning.

For Dr. Gregory Guisbiers, associate professor of physics and astronomy, the planetarium represents a fundamental shift in how students experience complex scientific ideas.

鈥淲hat excites me most is the opportunity to transform how students experience physics,鈥� Guisbiers said. 鈥淭he planetarium allows abstract ideas 鈥� whether dynamical systems in classical mechanics or quantum state evolution in quantum computing 鈥� to become immersive and intuitive.鈥�

In fields such as quantum computing, many ideas are highly abstract. Guisbiers envisions the planetarium as a way to transform his teaching by making difficult core concepts and invisible phenomena more accessible. The dome鈥檚 immersive capabilities allow students to visualize challenging processes such as wavefunctions, carrier dynamics, and structure-property relationships.

鈥淚 would also integrate research data into the learning experience, allowing students to explore simulations and experimental results interactively,鈥� Guisbiers said. 鈥淭his connects coursework with research, strengthens undergraduate research opportunities, and helps students develop both scientific intuition and communication skills.鈥�

The planetarium will also elevate 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 role as a public-facing science institution. Rather than science existing primarily in classrooms and labs, the dome creates a shared space for research visualization, interdisciplinary programming, and community engagement.

Guisbiers notes that the planetarium is not just a site of education but a hub for the community.

鈥淭he 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock planetarium can become a bridge between the university and the broader Little Rock community by serving as a hub for STEM education, public science literacy, and interdisciplinary engagement,鈥� he said. 鈥淏eyond astronomy, it can function as a cultural and creative space where science, art, and storytelling intersect, strengthening the university鈥檚 role as a regional center for education and community connection.鈥�

Guisbiers sees the planetarium reopening as representative of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 broader investment in science infrastructure and education. Alongside the observatory reopening in March 2025, the planetarium showcases the university鈥檚 commitment to hands-on learning and expanding access to STEM education.

Dr. Michael DeAngelis, associate professor of geology, sees equally transformative potential in the planetarium鈥檚 reopening.

Currently, the geology department offers field experiences to locations such as the Bahamas for the Geology and Ecology of the Bahamas course, excursions to Colorado and New Mexico for Field Geology II, and local trips across Arkansas to the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains. The planetarium’s immersive capabilities unlock new opportunities for students to explore different regions of the world.

鈥淎s a geology professor, I consistently seek opportunities to expose our students to diverse global environments,鈥� DeAngelis said. 鈥淲ith the planetarium鈥檚 digital projection system, I can now envision taking our students on virtual expeditions: to the peaks of the Himalayas, the frozen depths of Antarctica, inside the giant crystal caves of Mexico, or even to never-before-visited locations like the Moon or Mars to explore their geology.鈥�

The planetarium鈥檚 versatility creates an interdisciplinary space for learning that extends beyond the sciences. DeAngelis sees potential for immersive experiences such as virtual art shows for art and design students, concert performances for music students, and visualized global supply chains for economics students.

For DeAngelis, the reopening is especially significant for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 science programs.

鈥淔or science programs, the planetarium will allow for the visualization of phenomena at scales beyond human perception,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his includes viewing microscopic interactions, such as microbial life, mineral structures, and simulated chemical reactions. It also encompasses the immense, like solar system formation, supernovae, and the expansion of the universe.鈥�

Concepts that once existed only in textbooks or on flat screens can now unfold across the dome in full scale, placing students inside the systems they study.

When asked what he hopes visitors will take away from their experience, DeAngelis answered with a single word:

鈥淎we,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd all of its synonyms 鈥� wonder, astonishment, reverence, and amazement.鈥�

As the university approaches its centennial, the reopening of the Shellam Flake Planetarium signals forward momentum in science education and interdisciplinary collaboration.

In reopening the planetarium, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is not just restoring a beloved space 鈥� it is strengthening its role as a regional hub for education, innovation, and opportunity.

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鈥淚t all started with the solar eclipse,鈥� said Dr. Greg Guisbiers, associate professor of physics and astronomy. 鈥淚 got a grant from the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium to purchase nearly 60 telescopes for members of the campus community and the public to celebrate the event and experience the wonder of the solar eclipse. I saw the momentum and excitement that was caused by the event. A lot of people were showing a renewed interest in space and astronomy. I thought it was a good idea to get the observatory reopened and to do something with all those telescopes and public interest.鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock will celebrate the observatory鈥檚 reopening with an open house starting at 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 31, in the Physics Building 101. Following a ribbon cutting and presentation, guests will have the opportunity to tour the observatory space (weather permitting).

The observatory had previously been closed for more than 10 years. Guisbiers gained approval from university leadership to begin restoration efforts, enlisting the help of faculty, staff, and students. The team cleaned out the space, installed new flooring, painted, and prepared to reinstall an 11-inch telescope in the dome.

Matthew Burningham, a senior physics major from Las Vegas, was one of several students at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock who participated in the efforts to reopen the observatory. During the campus solar eclipse celebration in 2024, Burningham saw firsthand how excited members of the community were about space and astronomy when he showed people how to use telescopes and ran the inflatable planetarium provided by the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium.

鈥淚 am extremely excited to get the observatory going again,鈥� Burningham said. 鈥淚 believe the observatory is a good start to getting astronomy back into the spotlight. The observatory will allow us to go back to showing some of the wonders of space to the students directly. This feels like a small thing when 3D high-definition images are so often available, but there is something powerful in seeing these things first hand. It is my hope that seeing space will inspire students to further the understanding of science and get more students into the STEM fields.鈥�

The observatory鈥檚 dome, originally built in 1930 by newspaper executive Frederick Allsopp for his astronomy-enthusiast wife, was donated to the university in 1970 and installed on Stabler Hall during the tenure of Chancellor Carey V. Stabler. In its prime, the observatory hosted up to 70 events a year. While that number won鈥檛 be matched, Guisbiers plans to hold about 10 observations annually, offering both daytime and nighttime events. Daytime sessions will allow visitors to observe the sun, including sunspots and eclipses, while nighttime viewings will focus on planets, meteor showers, and galaxies.

鈥淭he observatory will serve as a gateway to scientific discovery, inspiring students and community members to explore the wonders of astronomy through hands-on learning experiences,鈥� said Dr. Brian Berry, vice provost of research and dean of the Graduate School.

鈥淲e are very happy to reactivate this rooftop space and to maximize the use of the telescopes we obtained for the eclipse event,鈥� Provost Ann Bain added.

The revitalization of the observatory not only marks an important chapter in 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 history but also reaffirms the university鈥檚 commitment to fostering scientific curiosity and engagement for students and the community alike.

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鈥淭he celebration we hosted on campus was spectacular and drew visitors locally and from around the country,鈥� Chancellor Christina Drale said. 鈥淭he educational programs and displays showcased the academic talent we have on campus, and all of the volunteers helped make this an all-around fun event for everyone.鈥�

More than 200 volunteers helped the event become a huge success! The event was planned for many months by the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Eclipse Committee, comprised of Ann Bain, Carrie Phillips, Gregory Guisbiers, Alicia Dorn, Aaron Birmingham, Angie Faller, Brian Berry, Justin Early, Kara Brown, Katina White, Larry Whitman, Leslie Hutchins, Meaghan Milliorn, Muriel Schrepfer, Ross Bradley, Regina Wade-Carter, Sarah Beth Estes, Sadie Lea, Tom Clifton, Toni Boyer, Tansel Karabacak, and Cody Decker.

The solar eclipse event helped spread word about 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and its experts far and wide. Stories in the media generated 3.5 billion media impressions and 320 media alerts!

“It is my second time watching a total solar eclipse, but the magic still operates like the very first time! It is an incredible feeling of satisfaction to be able to watch this celestial show!鈥� said Dr. Gregory Guisbiers, associate professor of physics at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

Amidst a backdrop of celestial splendor, participants gathered at the Jack Stephens Center to witness this rare astronomical phenomenon, forging unforgettable memories and fostering a sense of unity and awe.

鈥淚t鈥檚 an amazing event,鈥� said Dr. David Montague, associate vice chancellor for student affairs 鈥� student success. 鈥淚t鈥檚 so nice to see people here enjoying this experience and learning so many things. The energy today is very special indeed.鈥�

As the sun vanished behind the moon for nearly two-and-a-half minutes, the campus buzzed with excitement and scientific curiosity, marking a momentous occasion that will be cherished for years to come.

鈥淎 lot of people missed seeing a total solar eclipse that took place in the western United States seven years ago, but lots of people had access to this total solar eclipse and didn鈥檛 have to travel as far to see it,鈥� said Dr. Miles Blanton, advanced instructor of physics and astronomy. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a novel event, and it’s so predictable. That鈥檚 what surprises a lot of people. You can predict it down to the minute. It feels like you are in control when we are not in control of so much of the natural world.鈥�

As the solar eclipse drew near, the crowd grew silent as the music stopped, the temperature fell, and a breeze could be felt in the air. As total darkness fell at 1:51 p.m., members of the crowd cheered, gasped, and cried as they witnessed the celestial event.

鈥淚t was so awesome to be here in this breathtaking moment,鈥� Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor of alumni and development, said after watching the eclipse. 鈥淲e had the perfect weather, and all the stars aligned for this amazing event. It is so wonderful that our university brought together so many people to have such a great event for the community.鈥�

The community event brought together a wonderful mix of the arts and the sciences. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock provided observation sessions with telescopes, an inflatable planetarium, a Foucault鈥檚 pendulum, Cavendish鈥檚 balance, gravity well, and meteorites on display. The Arkansas Space Grant Consortium provided 30,000 pairs of complementary solar eclipse glasses.

鈥淚鈥檓 a kid on the inside, and I came here to experience the solar eclipse,鈥� said Joshua Pack, a junior double majoring in chemistry and biology. 鈥淚 was surprised by the amount of stuff to do at the event. I don鈥檛 travel a lot, so this was a unique opportunity to see the solar eclipse in my hometown.鈥�

Employees and students from the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education had more than 30 people volunteer as face painters. Students designed a custom face painting template and solar eclipse sticker.

In one of many scientific demonstrations on display, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Emerging Analytics Center created a special virtual reality experience, Total Solar Eclipse VR 2024. The project was put together by students Carlos Ochoa, Cecily Mobley, Ashlly Lambaren, Colin McNerny, and Eric Helms with guidance from Jason Zak, lead artist, and Wesley Ferguson, research associate.

鈥淭he VR app we made takes you into space, where you can see the perspective of the total solar eclipse from a completely new angle,鈥� said Colin NcNerny, a senior electronic and computer engineering major. 鈥淵ou can鈥檛 look directly at the Sun in real life without it hurting your eyes. In virtual space, you can look at the sun in great detail. We also created a Snapchat filter which shows the user wearing solar eclipse glasses, and you can see the eclipse reflected in the lenses.鈥�

Visitors traveled from near and far to take part in the day鈥檚 events.

鈥淢y son wants to be an astrophysicist, so Little Rock was a close drive to spark the imagination of our future generation,鈥� said Danielle Hart, who drove from Huntsville, Alabama, to watch the eclipse with her family at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淚t was so absolutely incredible. That moment when the sky goes dark and the crowd cheers, it鈥檚 a very magical moment.鈥�

The solar eclipse celebration was sponsored by the Donaghey Foundation, Arkansas Space Grant Consortium, and the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock will have two LightSound devices that will enable individuals with visual impairments to experience the solar eclipse through sound. The two devices are provided by the , who are distributing these devices for use at universities, schools, and nonprofits across the country during the solar eclipse on April 8.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock will welcome the public and campus community to experience this rare and breathtaking event on campus. This day of science and observation for the whole family will take place from 10 a.m. 鈥� 4 p.m. Monday, April 8, with activities taking place both inside and outside the Jack Stephens Center.

Dr. Gregory Guisbiers, associate professor of physics and astronomy, said he requested to have the LightSound devices at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock because he wanted to have a welcoming and inclusive event where everyone could enjoy the solar eclipse.

鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock is one of the few places in Arkansas who will have LightSound devices available for public use during the solar eclipse,鈥� Guisbiers said. 鈥淭his is a celebration where we want everyone to feel included. The LightSound devices are one way that we are helping everyone to enjoy the total solar eclipse.鈥�

The LightSound prototype was developed for the 2017 solar eclipse as a tool for the Blind and Low Vision community to experience a solar eclipse with sound. The device uses a technique called sonification, which is the process of converting data (or light intensity in this case) to sound.

As the moon eclipses the sun during a solar eclipse, the sunlight begins to dim, and the LightSound device will output a change in musical tone. The device can be attached to headphones or to a speaker to project the sound for a group.

The device was first used during the 2017 solar eclipse in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Morehead State University, and the Kentucky School for the Blind. The LightSound Project has a goal of building 750 devices for the April solar eclipse and has donated more than 200 devices.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 event is funded by the Donaghey Foundation, , and the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. For more information on 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 solar eclipse event, visit .

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