The International Dark Sky Discovery Center (IDSDC) in Fountain Hills recently marked a significant milestone with the installation of a massive 38-ton dome.
McCarthy Building Companies, the contractor overseeing the project, placed the steel-ribbed, plywood-wrapped structure that will house the Craig and Ruth Gimbel Hyperspace Planetarium. The planetarium will feature a 12-meter projection dome, tilted 20 degrees, with 65 seats, six projectors, and an advanced audio system.
The planetarium will offer a range of educational programs focused on astronomy, the night sky, and STEM subjects. Potential topics include biodiversity, anatomy, aviation, and more. The facility aims to enhance public understanding of dark sky preservation, which is particularly relevant in Fountain Hills, one of only two International Dark Sky Communities near major metropolitan areas.
“We’re excited to support the IDSDC’s mission to advance research, education, and dark sky conservation,” said Brandon Gonzalez, McCarthy project manager. “The dome installation is a key step forward in a project that will emphasize the importance of a dark sky and the impact of light pollution.”
The IDSDC, slated for completion in summer 2025, will be a hub for connecting the night sky with life on Earth. The $28 million, 23,000-square-foot facility will offer innovative learning experiences for all ages. It is designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, educators, and advocates for dark sky preservation.
Located at 12845 N. La Montana Drive, the IDSDC takes root in Fountain Hills’ 2018 designation as the 17th International Dark Sky Community in the world. Fountain Hills is one of only 13 such communities featured in the Smithsonian Lights Out exhibit.
The center will feature several key components:
- A Dark Sky Observatory, which will house the largest telescope in the Greater Phoenix area.
- The Hyperspace Planetarium, which incorporates a cutting-edge tilted dome and digital technology.
- An Inspiration Theater with 150 tiered seats, advanced projection, and sound systems.
- The Night Sky Exhibit Hall, which will educate visitors on light pollution issues and solutions.
- The Einstein Exploration Station, offering hands-on learning about the physics of light.
Construction of the center began in April 2024, with major trade partners including Diversified, Radius Track, Global Roofing Group, Hawkeye Electrical, and McCarthy Self-Perform Concrete, among others.
The IDSDC’s board of directors is actively seeking funding for the project through donations, including naming rights. For more information, visit DarkSkyCenter.org.
