Although the planetarium has been closed since July 1992, SMC has continued to present astronomy shows on an almost weekly basis on subjects ranging from Comet Hale-Bopp to dinosaurs to the latest NASA expeditions in our solar system. Although many shows have drawn sizable audiences, Hodge anticipates much larger attendance when the planetarium reopens. First opened in 1971, the SMC planetarium is the only public facility of its kind on the Westside. A pilot and aircraft mechanism designer, he holds at least nine patents relating to the World War II effort and has developed more mechanisms and patents at National Machine Products. He has also been an industrial developer in Santa Monica and has a long and distinguished record of community service.
Parking is free.