Welcome
We are rebuilding our web site. Please check back later, but if you are looking for the Planetarium or Observatory select the link above.
The Astronomy Program at Francis Marion University is a part of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. It was established by Mr. James "Ed" Dooley who first taught Astronomy at FMU. In 1978, the Francis Marion College Planetarium opened its doors to the public and was joined in 1981 by the FMC Observatory.
After the passing of Ed Dooley in 2000, the Planetarium was renamed the Dooley Planetarium in his honor. Dr. John Mattox was hired to take over the Astronomy Program and served the University until 2003. Dr. Jeannette Myers joined the department in Fall 2003 as the new Director and Coordinator of the Astronomy Program. In 2006, the Astronomy 201 class was split into two and an additional course was added to the curriculum. This allows for students to now receive a collateral in Astronomy at FMU.
In Fall 2007, Dr. T. Jay Vaccaro joined the faculty at FMU. He is an Observational Astronomer and currently organizes the Astronomy Club of the Pee Dee.
