Mann Middle School

For generations of AISD students, the annual trip to the Morgan Jones Planetarium has been a cherished tradition. It marks one of the most anticipated days on the school calendar. Since it opened in 1968, students have been captivated by the wonder of the universe right here in Abilene.

Today, spacesuits like the ones worn by NASA astronauts greet visitors when they enter the planetarium. Visitors can also see moon rock samples in the foyer before stepping into the Star Room, where lights in the ceiling replicate The Big Dipper, The Little Dipper, Orion’s Belt, Ursa Major, and Ursa Minor, among other constellations of the galaxy.

AISD Science Curriculum Coordinator Jason Barber was one of the countless visitors who visited the planetarium when he was younger. As a student in AISD at Jane Long Elementary School, he was wowed by what he saw.

“The big deal for all of us growing up in Abilene was to go to the planetarium,” Barber said. “And that’s what I want to make it again.”

Barber has a vision for breathing new life into the planetarium. His long-term plans, which include introducing new exhibits, an interactive panel, enhanced lighting in the Star Room, improved technology throughout the facility, a comprehensive space flight timeline, and updated videos, are set to transform the planetarium into a beacon of educational excellence. The updates are set to create a modern and unique learning destination for AISD students and the Big Country community.

“I recently did a show with a small group of homeschooled kids, and it went great,” Barber said. “I was thrilled, and the kids had a lot of fun, and it reminded me again what this place can be.”

Today, visitors will notice that significant updates have already been made, including upgrades in the electrical wiring, fresh paint, new carpet, updated flooring, and a new electrical panel. Barber said those updates have been a group effort and, as it turns out, a valuable learning experience for current students. What started as a plan to build a stand for the projector in the Star Room quickly evolved into a collaborative effort with AISD welding instructor Dustin Moore and his advanced welding students.  

“We needed a new stand for the projector,” Barber said. “But we quickly realized we needed a new access panel to the power outlets on the floor. So that had to happen before new carpeting could be put in or the students could build the stand. Dustin and his guys tried to fix the access panel door, but it was irreparably damaged, so they fabricated a new one.”

The enhanced access panel blends seamlessly into the floor near the entrance of the Star Room. From there, auditorium-style seating surrounds the 2K projector, which points upward at the domed ceiling. Barber wanted to add one more element of professionalism to the space while creating a sturdy and tidy home for the projector. With metal donated by the district’s facilities team and a hand-drawn sketch from Barber, The LIFT’s advanced welding students designed precisely what the space needed. 

Now, Barber said he’s turning attention to re-invigorating the building with other elements, including new spacesuits and other artifacts, to bring new life to the planetarium.

“Those spacesuits have changed in 60 years,” Barber said, “so it would be cool to have one from then and a current one to show what astronauts are wearing now. I’ve sent a letter to SpaceX because they give away pieces, so anything we could get from them would be a welcome addition.”

Barber also said he’s working with ACU engineering students on the spaceflight timeline and seeking other help finding artifacts from space to display in the building. He’s doing all this to make the space a place students and visitors look forward to using as an educational and entertainment venue.

Barber said that when he walks into the building, he’s taken back to his youth and the excitement students felt whenever they visited the planetarium. Barber wants visitors of this generation to experience the same thrill as they did 30, 40, or even 50 years ago.

“I’m excited to get it going again,” he said. “I want to make this a memorable experience for everyone who comes through the doors. It feels like we’re bringing a piece of AISD history back to life. This building is a unique asset to the city and AISD and an important part of the community.”