The Clever Planetarium completed and extensive remodeling and refurbishing program earlier this year. New items such as “SciDome HD” a digital planet and sky simulator and “Magic Planet” an interactive digital globe that can simulate the earth and other planets through satellite images have been installed. “Magic Planet is new technology,” Planetarium technician Kyle Wilson said. “We have one of the few in California.” And although “Herman,” the planetarium’s original Spitz 512 Star Projector, has been refurbished, the new projector adds enhanced visual presentations, including a 360 degree cinematic experience.

With new digital technology, the dome-shaped planetarium can customize shows for any particular astronomical subject. The Clever Planetarium and Earth Science Center is available for fieldtrips on weekdays and is open to the public twice a month.

Delta’s planetarium is named after George H. Clever, a Tracy rancher who was the original founding Board President when the San Joaquin Delta College district was formed in 1963. A Cal Tech civil engineering graduate, Mr. Clever was an avid amateur astronomer who had a passion for science. His dream was to build a planetarium at Delta College so students and the community could benefit from opportunities to explore the “Last Frontier.” Through Mr. Clever’s patience and dedication, his dream became a reality in 1973 with the opening of San Joaquin County’s only stationary planetarium. When Mr. Clever retired from Delta’s board in 1983, the planetarium was named in his honor.