JERSEY CITY -- Liberty Science Center will soon house the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, courtesy of a record-breaking donation from one of the establishment's board members.

The center announced Monday a $5 million donation received from Jennifer Chalsty, a Short Hills resident and former high school teacher who has served on the board since 2004. The contribution is the largest the interactive learning facility has ever received from an individual.

The Jersey City center will use the funds to revamp its enormous IMAX dome, a renovation that includes new hardware to create a massive planetarium, that's set to eclipse in size even the Hayden Planetarium in New York's American Museum of Natural History.

Other improvements will include the conversion of the IMAX Dome theater from film to digital, a new screen and other refurbishments.

"I want to thank Jennifer for her tremendous generosity," said Paul Hoffman, president and CEO of the Liberty Science Center, in a statement. "She is a remarkable, caring individual who is committed to educating the next generation. My life has been enriched by my getting to know her through our work together at LSC."

Bobby Olivier may be reached at bolivier@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BobbyOlivier. Find NJ.com on Facebook.