NYC Planetarium

Disappointed.

I have been an amateur astronomer for some 58 years. In the past I went to the old Hayden Planetarium numerous times, the Junior Astronomy Club offices were next door in the Museum, connected. A dozen or more of us used to meet there almost every Saturday and often use Central Park as a playground across the street and then go to north Bronx or Brooklyn to observe the stars (subways then cost 5, then 10, then 20 cents).

I and others were not satisfied with the destruction and new building. Although I generally visit the museum yearly I held off going to the planetarium but finally I went.

No pointers for N-E-S-W, nor did usher know.
No presentation of major constellations.
Show on Cosmic Collisions was OK but too short, total length about 35 minutes.
Very expensive: $18.50 for "seniors" (includes required museum admission).

I have corporate membership to museum, so entry is free for me as it was many years ago - although at some time I was a regular member as well.
Museum entry includes planetarium area except for sky show.

This is an educational institution, how can they expect kids to go at these prices. I see buses of kids flowing to the museum, often too busy for me to put up with it; these trips are no doubt subsidized by NYC Bd.Ed., but what about kids going on their own? I never went with school and suspect many kids, especially parochial school kids who do not share in such subsidies.

Instead of building egos the powers that be should just renovate only when needed and keep prices low. The old building was a work of art.

Reminds me of two Catholic churches I attend: one western, another eastern. Each is begging for money for building which I never deemed necessary and would, if asked, never approve. I suspect one will fold in a few years. The Muse rum and Planetarium won't fold, but will it be helpful for budding scientists. Several of my friends at that time became very well known astronomers, and other scientific professionals.
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