FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA21) – Science Central said on Monday it has raised half of the money it needs to install the region’s only public planetarium — a $2 million project that would unfold over the next year or two.

Plans call for a permanent 1,500 square foot attraction in a currently unused portion of the science center’s building, the former power plant just north of downtown Fort Wayne.

Officials intent to use the original starball from the University of St. Francis planetarium and incorporate a modern digital system into the display. The USF planetarium closed in 2016, ending a run of operation that dated back to 1969.

Science Central said it is accepting private corporate and foundation sponsorships for the planetarium project, which will involve expenses for construction, equipment and staffing. For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Executive Director Martin S. Fisher at mfisher@sciencecentral.org.