Members of the Wayne State community and the public are invited to an open house for the university's new planetarium in Old Main from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 19.

Physics and astronomy department personnel will give 20-minute demonstrations at 2:45 and 3:30 p.m.

The planetarium, which will be used for astronomy lectures, demonstrations and laboratory exercises, is located in the lower level of Old Main. The upgraded projection system also will enable the presentation of special public programs.

Features of the new planetarium include a 27-foot compound-curve hemispheric projection dome; capabilities for videocassette, laser disc and special effects projections; and direct projection capability for images downloaded from NASA via the Internet. The equipment will make it possible to project live images from space bound sources like the Hubble Space Telescope or shuttle missions.

The open house is sponsored by the College of Science. For more information call 577-2515.