Gene Roddenberry Planetarium remains open!
(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT -- Sept. 10, 2019) — The EPISD-operated Gene Roddenberry Planetarium is not closing.
Incorrect reports that an upcoming event organized by an outside agency would be the last one before the Planetarium closes its doors permanently have been corrected by media outlets and the organization putting the event together. (For more information on the event click here.)
The Roddenberry continues to welcome students from throughout the Borderland, and the El Paso Independent School District will soon make an exciting announcement about the future of the city’s only planetarium.
“The Gene Roddenberry Planetarium is a beloved asset of not just EPISD, but the entire city,” said Melissa Martinez, the District’s Chief Communications Officer. “Every day, school buses arrive filled with students who will make lifelong memories of the wonderful things they learned in the Planetarium. EPISD is committed to continuing this worthwhile educational experience for the children of El Paso.”
The Planetarium opened in 1969 thanks to funding from EPISD, the Junior League of El Paso and the National Science Foundation to foster better understanding of space exploration and enhance science education in El Paso. In 2001, the Planetarium was named after Gene Roddenberry, the El Paso-born creator of the Star Trek franchise.
The Roddenberry continues to welcome field trips from schools throughout the region. During the summer, the Planetarium opens its doors to the public for shows in English and Spanish.
Graphic by Martín A. López