Search
Close this search box.

Emerald Coast Science Center opens new ‘Galaxy Gateway’ planetarium building

The Emerald Coast Science Center celebrated the launch of its new Galaxy Gateway planetarium building with astronaut Don Thomas joining the ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 30.
Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrate outside the new Galaxy Gateway planetarium during the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Emerald Coast Science Center on January 30, 2025. (Contributed by ECSC)

The Emerald Coast Science Center unveiled its new planetarium building Thursday, bringing advanced space exploration technology to the local community.

  • Former NASA astronaut Don Thomas attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the “Galaxy Gateway” facility, where attendees viewed constellations inside the new planetarium.

The project was funded through support from Impact100 of Northwest Florida and the NDIA Gulf Coast Chapter, with Florida Power & Light sponsoring the planetarium operations.

“We are excited to offer more planetarium programming than ever before, including new shows and expanded opportunities for field trips and museum patrons,” said Kate Fox, the Science Center’s Development Coordinator. “Our enhanced offerings aim to inspire curiosity and a deeper understanding of space among guests of all ages.”

Located at 31 Memorial Pkwy SW, the new facility will provide visitors with immersive experiences to explore the universe through visual technology and educational programming.

The event included guided tours of the new facility and refreshments for attendees.

Former NASA astronaut Don Thomas poses with Emerald Coast Science Center’s Diane Fraser at the Galaxy Gateway planetarium opening. (Contributed by ECSC)
Astronaut Don Thomas shares experiences from his Space Shuttle Columbia mission during a presentation at the Galaxy Gateway opening. The screen shows Thomas aboard the shuttle on April 4, 1997. (Contributed by ECSC)
Don Thomas gestures while giving a presentation about life in space at the Galaxy Gateway planetarium opening. The former astronaut shares photos from his Space Shuttle missions with attendees. (Contributed by ECSC)

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“Despite all the rationalizations in this thread, it must not be too hard to not violate the law. It seems like 39989 people do it every day.”
Respond
“Always followed your career! From those days at Hardee's I knew you were meant to entertain people. I'll miss hearing your voice on the radio.”
Respond
“Pretty sure I wasn't that cool in HS! LOL Thank you for the kind words!!”
Respond
“I went to school with David. He was a kool guy. He worked with my brother Rob who went by i belive was Dexter on the air at Z96. G...”
Respond
“I love everything about Winn Dixie and have never shopped at aldi. When this one opens it will be my first time. I just hope to see the friendly faces...”
Respond
“Are we trying to fix something that does not appear to be broken. Some of the locally elected representatives wish to rid the city tax payers of a burden that...”
Respond
“Where are we supposed get our fresh grocery items. Fresh Baked goods. Fresh seafood. Fresh produce. I visited the one in Crestview FL. I say visited not shopped because they...”
Respond
“I just don't know enough about each of the candidates' own core values: just because a candidate is endorsed by another politician and past public servants does not sway my...”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.