On July 9, a celebration was held to mark the 10th anniversary of the dedication of San Antonio College's Scobee Planetarium in honor of the late Francis R. (Dick) Scobee, astronaut and Outstanding Former Student of San Antonio College.

A crowd of about 200 people viewed, free of charge, a simulated rocket trip through the solar system, followed by a guided tour of the summer stars and constellations. Afterward, the audience viewed the planet Jupiter through the observatory telescope.

On this day ten years ago, Dr. June Scobee Rogers, widow of Dick Scobee, and San Antonio College officials officially named the planetarium in honor of Scobee.

As Spacecraft Commander of the space shuttle Challenger, Scobee crew died with his crew in 1986 in the tragic explosion 13 seconds after lift-off. While in the U.S. Air Force stationed at Kelly Air Force Base, he had attended evening classes at San Antonio College from 1960-1963 before being selected for the Airman's Education and Commissioning Program.

The planetarium was first opened in 1961 and hosts thousands of visitors every year.

After temporary summer closure for maintenance, the Scobee Planetarium will begin its fall season of programming after Labor Day. For more details, visit the web site at www.accd.edu/sac/ce/scobee or call 733-2910.