The Pendulum is expected to be one of the biggest draws to the Planetarium. Spartanburg County Public Library photo
If you’re looking for a universal gift this holiday season, Spartanburg County’s new Planetarium is a treat you might keep forever.
The $15 million, 28,000square-foot facility opened in October at 151 S. Church Street as part of the Spartanburg County Public Libraries system – and the attraction is not only a long-anticipated sensation, but is taking area learning and patrons beyond the stars – literally.
“We saw over 2,500 people at the October grand opening, and another 2,500 have attended our shows – far exceeding our expectations,” said planetarium director Andy Flynt. “We are only second public library in U.S. so far to have a planetarium (along with St. Charles Parish, La.), and people are loving coming in and seeing what it’s all about.”
For example, upon entering the lobby, you are greeted by a large swinging ball, suspended from a ceiling cable, known as the Foucault Pendulum.
Visible from inside and outside the building, this device was Invented in 1851 by French physicist Leon Foucault to demonstrate how the Earth revolves around an axis as defined by the North and South poles. The pendulum ball, or bob, slowly swings back and forth in a slightly curved line, under the influence of gravity, rotating for 42 hours around a horizontal circle before reaching its original starting point.
“The closer to the equator the pendulum is, the longer it takes the bob to complete a circle,” Flynt said. “At the North Pole, at 90 degrees north latitude, the Foucault Pendulum moves much faster and actually completes a circle in almost exactly 24 hours.”
While you will be tempted to watch it come full circle, exploring the rest of the Planetarium will reveal lots of exhibit space, a learning classroom, and the signature 50-foot domed theatre, where your journey really takes off. In December alone, morning and afternoon attractions include:
- Aurora. Lights of Wonder. See the still, dynamic features of the 2025 Aurora Substorm – and wonder afterward how fast the time went.
- Passport to the Universe. Fly beneath the rings of Saturn, into the heart of the Orion Nebula, and into the vastness of space to experience stunning cosmic destinations as never before possible.
- Solar Superstorms. A fury is building on the surface of the Sun – high velocity jets, a fiery tsunami wave that reaches 100,000 kilometers high, rising loops of electrified gas. What’s driving these strange phenomena? How will they affect planet Earth? Find the answers as you venture into the sun’s seething interior.
“In 35-40 minutes, we can take you to planets, fly you around planets, show you the stars and tell you their stories, and share a documentary about science with you,” Flynt said. “And we’re just starting.”
The new Planetarium was almost three years in the making. While construction was underway, Flynt spent much of 2023 and 2024 putting together a team and program, and visiting 15 other planetariums for ideas, service, and staffing.
Along the way, signs were constantly encouraging, as over $5 million of the cost was funded by local individuals and organizations.
So don’t wait for Santa – Because while a gift visit to the Planetarium will be eye-opening or even mindblowing, chances are you’ll be back for more all through the year.
“I’m proud of seeing the Planetarium open on time, but there is a whole lot more to do and learn,” Flynt said. “And I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now.”
