The Planetarium Got a Front-Row Seat to History

Not everyone watched the Artemis II launch from their couch. Some people watched it the right way.

On April 1, more than 50 people packed into the CSN’s planetarium to watch NASA send humans toward the moon for the first time in over 50 years. And honestly? That’s exactly the kind of moment a planetarium was made for.

The watch party was organized in partnership with the Las Vegas Astronomical Society, and a special thanks goes to Francisco Silva with the Las Vegas Astronomical Society for helping make it happen and for connecting the planetarium with local media. CBS and FOX both showed up to cover it live.

[Title] Andrew Kerr, who manages the CSN Planetarium, summed it up perfectly.

“These events are fantastic for public interaction and public outreach,” Kerr said. “People are interested in space. When we can provide a free event like this that brings people out, talk to the experts, and see resources available for them in the community.”

CSN student Rei Burr was in the room when it happened, and she felt every second of it.

“That was incredible,” Burr said. “It’s been over 50 years since we’ve actually gone to the moon. It’s remarkable. I’m really happy we’re finally picking back up where we left off.”

Here’s the thing about CSN’s planetarium: it’s the only one in Southern Nevada. So when history is happening in the sky, this is the place the community comes together to witness it. The Artemis II mission is expected to last about 10 days as the crew orbits the moon and returns home.

If you missed this one, keep an eye on what’s coming next. Something tells us the planetarium isn’t done making history feel personal.

FOX5 Vegas News Coverage of Event

KLAS / 8 News Now News Coverage

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