[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 28, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E381-E382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE FLANDRAU SCIENCE CENTER & PLANETARIUM'S 50TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. JUAN CISCOMANI

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 28, 2026

  Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the University 
of Arizona's Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium's 50th Anniversary 
and the opening of their newest exhibit, Mysteries of the Cosmos.
  The Science Center & Planetarium started as a result of the efforts 
of expert University of Arizona scientists and leadership, along with 
generous funds from the estate of author and Tucson visitor Grace H. 
Flandrau in 1972.
  Recognizing the University of Arizona's excellence in astronomy and 
space science, the Arizona Board of Regents approved the formation of 
Flandrau that same year, and construction began in 1974.
  From the moment the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium opened its 
doors in 1975, it has provided visitors with immersive educational 
experiences.
  Through the use of tools including interactive displays, digital 
features, laser light shows, large-scale models, and science lectures, 
the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium has made studying the stars 
accessible to the public.
  With the immersion of new planetarium technologies throughout the 
years, Flandrau has gone through renovations to ensure visitors get a 
well-rounded and unforgettable experience.
  The Science Center & Planetarium has opened several new exhibits 
since its opening, many of which feature the incredibly talented 
faculty and their transformational research happening within the 
College of Science and at the University of Arizona
  The newest exhibit, Mysteries of the Cosmos: Life in the Universe, 
opens tonight. This new interactive exhibit is an exciting milestone 
that will further strengthen the Science Center & Planetarium's ability 
to bring the wonder of the stars down to Tucson.
  To the Flandrau leadership and staff who have dedicated their time to 
this extraordinary center, and to the individuals who made the Science 
Center & Planetarium possible in the first place, I congratulate them 
on 50 years.
  Here's to many more years to come and the future generations who will 
walk through their doors to learn about our incredible universe.

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