"A dream come true for a lot of us," said Jackson Mayor John Horhn as he announced the reopening of the McNair-Davis Planetarium in a few months.
Hizzoner said the project would not have happened without the leadership of former Mayor Kane Ditto. Mr. Ditto raised the funds for the planetarium's rebirth. Jane Alexander of the Community Foundation said the new planetarium will be "light-years apart from what we grew up seeing."
The planetarium will be renamed from the "Davis Planetarium" to the "McNair-Davis Planetarium." Ronald McNair (PhD) was the second black astronaut launched into space. He died in the Challenger explosion.
Mr. Ditto said the planetarium is expected to open between mid-May and mid-June.
The Horhn Administration stated in a press release:
The Jackson Planetarium is set to reopen in Spring 2026 following a major renovation that will transform the facility into a world-class center for science education, immersive learning, and cultural programming. The upgrade includes a digital dome with advanced projection technology, an expanded STEM learning lab for students and community groups, a newly designed lobby experience featuring interactive exhibits, upgraded audio, lighting, and visual systems throughout the facility, and a refreshed exterior and public plaza designed to create a more inviting visitor experience.
14 comments:
Wow, actual good news from Jackson.
The renaming is unnecessary but predictable.
I think the renaming is wonderful. Ronald McNair spent a good deal of time at the planetarium showing the space shuttle documentary (containing a lot of footage he shot in space) to Mississippi children. He got kids excited about space. He was well on his way to becoming an "honorary Mississippian" when his life was cut short in the Challenger disaster.
@1:14
cut tragically short by a 20 dollar rubber O ring, so they could stay on schedule
This is great news. Once the planetarium is finished, Natural Science Museum finishes renovations, and the Children's Museum has its massive expansion, Jackson will be a destination for families! Here we go!! Plus, the museum trail is going to connect all of the LeFleur's Bluff area museums and parks! Skywalk coming over Lakeland Dr.. It's not all "doom and gloom" in JXN!
Great news. I went to the planetarium many years ago. You sat in the seats, they moved with you, and there were 2 shows. One was an extraordinary display of stars. The other was filmed from inside a helicopter that went up/down/side to side, hence the seats that moved with you. You literally leaned left when the helicopter turned hard left. Afterwards, it was hilarious because nobody in the theater could stand up for a while. Good memories there.
When will the elevators at Thalia mara hall be fixed?
I think the renaming is wonderful.
Performative garbage.
Potholes, crime, businesses leaving town...I get it. But this is good news which is something we never received under Lumumba. Kudos to Mayor Hohrn.
OK, McNair was the first 'black' astronaut; understand that. Please provide the connection to Mississippi. (I know we do have a couple of astronauts from our great state, have never really bothered to wonder if they were black, white, or Choctaw for that matter.)
IF McNair had any connection to Mississippi, or particularly Jackson, then I have no problem with the renaming. But without such a connection - then this to me is nothing but politicizing and pandering bullcrap.
Here's an article about McNair's connection to Mississippi and to the Davis Planetarium in particular.
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-05-01-vw-3411-story.html
Is this to your satisfaction?
If any name should be added, it’s Ditto’s.
This will be another one of Jackson’s colossal failures.
What a waste of money.
@2:54 I think the renaming is wonderful. Ronald McNair spent a good deal of time at the planetarium showing the space shuttle documentary (containing a lot of footage he shot in space) to Mississippi children. He got kids excited about space. He was well on his way to becoming an "honorary Mississippian" when his life was cut short in the Challenger disaster.
November 17, 2025 at 1:14 PM
I've taken my family to the Planetarium several times back in the late 80s. We saw the Dinosaur show and the Pink Floyd & Led Zeplin Lazer Light shows. They were great! Was Sketchy parking though...
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