In the heart of the Space Center's planetarium, amidst the vast expanse of galaxies and stars, there exists a figure shrouded in mystery: Brian Dean. Rarely seen outside the confines of the celestial theater, Brian seemed to possess an otherworldly connection to the cosmos. Whispers among the staff suggested that he dwelled in the enigmatic realm behind the dome itself, where the boundary between reality and the infinite void blurred into obscurity.
While the world slept in the comfort of their homes, Brian Dean was awake, immersed in his nocturnal rituals. He would meticulously polish the projectors, ensuring that every celestial body was rendered with utmost clarity. He would delicately rebalance the sound system, orchestrating the symphony of the universe with precision and finesse. For Brian, this was not just a job; it was a calling—a devotion to the boundless wonders that adorned the night sky. His existence seemed to unfold in perpetual twilight, a timeless realm illuminated by the stars of an eternal universe. Each night, as he gazed upward, he felt a profound sense of belonging, as if the cosmos itself whispered secrets only he could comprehend. Recently, Brian's solitude was interrupted by an unexpected honor. He was summoned from the depths of the planetarium to receive a distinguished honor: he was to be inducted into the Space Center's Burgundy Order of the Night and receive the title of Planetarium Navigator. Brian felt a surge of humility and gratitude wash over him. He expressed his thanks to his colleagues present but did so from behind his shirt. The sunlight streaming through the lobby windows was too much for his sensitive eyes. James Porter, the esteemed director of the planetarium, dubbed Brian into the Order by presenting him with the Burgundy Shirt. In the presentation, Mr. Porter expressed his admiration for Brian's tireless commitment to the mysteries of the cosmos, the Space Center, and the planetarium. Brian's response was characteristically understated, yet rich with a quiet reverence for the celestial wonders that had become his life's passion. He thanked Mr. Porter and the entire staff. It is said by some who were close enough to see his face, that a single tear traced down his cheek as the assembled crowd shouted, "All Hail Sir Brian Dean of the Burgundy Order of the Space Center!" As he followed Brylee Perry, The Grand Mistress of the Burgundy Order, back into the comforting embrace of the planetarium's night, Brian Dean carried with him not just a burgundy shirt, but a symbol of recognition for his profound connection to the stars. With each step, he felt the weight of responsibility and the privilege of his newfound role as a Planetarium Navigator and Knight of the Order. Yet, amidst the accolades and the applause, Brian remained unchanged at his core—a solitary figure, forever bound to the mysteries of the universe. For him, the true reward lay not in the recognition of others, but in the silent communion with the universe itself and the Space Center's mission to create a space-faring civilization. And so, as the world continued to turn and the stars continued to drift across the fabric dome, Brian Dean resumed his nocturnal vigil, his soul in unison with the infinite expanse of space. In the quiet solitude of the planetarium, he found not just his purpose, but his very essence—a navigator of the cosmos, forever guided by the light of a trillion distant suns. The Young Astronaut's 5th Grade Lion Squadron Successfully Finishes the 2023-2024 Long Duration Mission!
The fifth grade Lion Squadron is one of 15 Young Astronaut squadrons at Renaissance Academy's The Space Place. Last week they completed this school year's Long Duration Mission (LDM). Their LDM started in September. Fifth grade Young Astronauts do an extended version of Intolerance. American history is part of the 5th grade state curriculum. The Civil War and Intolerance go hand in hand so it is an excellent mission for our 5th grade Young Astronauts.
The 5th Lions would like to thank Mr. Funk and the staff and volunteers of The Space Place for doing an excellent job in the Voyager simulator. Congratulations to captain and crew! The short video below shows them finishing the mission for the year. Oh the Things You See When You Work in the Space Center's Staff Room
Most Saturdays I spend a few hours at the Space Center doing my outreach and Voyager Club work. I choose to set up shop in the Staff Room next to the simulators. It reminds me of where my desk was located back in the day when I directed the Space Center. If you remember, my desk sat in the Briefing Room. To my right was the Voyager. To my left was the Phoenix and directly in front of me was the Odyssey. My desk was at the crossroads of most Space Center traffic as people came and went between ships and to get costume pieces from the Voyager's hallway closets. While noisy, I was able to get my work done, and at the same time, keep my fingers on the mood, pulse, and energy level of the staff and volunteers.
Working in the Staff Room gives me much of the same experience. From my few feet of space I can keep in contact with our volunteers. I can do a quick survey or ask for opinions. The best part of working in the Staff Room is seeing the volunteer's creativity in costuming. They'll come in saying they need to play this or that part and disappear into the costume room. A few minutes later out emerges their creation. In as a black shirt volunteer and out as a character in a space drama! This is what emerged yesterday. Jack's costume was a site to see. I was going to tell you more but I'll leave it for you to wonder what ship they were on and mission they were doing. Great Job Gentlemen! Imaginarium Theater
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AuthorMy name is Victor Williamson. I founded the Christa McAuliffe Space Center in 1990. I current teach 6th grade at Renaissance Academy and am the Space Center Outreach Coordinator (I take care of the volunteers). You can reach me by email: [email protected] Archives
October 2024
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