through eighth, to adult “Think and
Drink” programs, there is always a
lot going on at The Bishop.
With the exception of the
Science Sprouts program, though,
right now almost every event is
being held virtually because of
the pandemic. Visitors are still
allowed to visit the planetarium
and the museum, as well as the
manatee rehab facility, but The
Bishop monitors the amount of
people allowed in at one time and
takes particular care in keeping
everything as clean as possible.
Measures include timed ticketing,
but with tens of thousands of
square feet available, chances
are you will not be turned away if
you’re interested in visiting.
One interesting aspect of the pandemic is that it has created an “astronomical” increase
in telescope sales. Gonzalez said that people are looking for more outdoor, family-friendly
activities right now, and studying the stars is a perfect way to spend some time together.
“There has been an unprecedented level of sales of telescopes across the country,” she said.
“We know there is a lot of interest here, and in fact we routinely offer the public a presentation
on how to use a telescope properly. Too often a telescope is purchased, but frustration in
learning how to use it occurs and it ends up as another expensive clothes hanger in a closet.”
In 2018 The Bishop unveiled a new smartphone app called Pathways, which makes it even
easier for museum visitors to follow their course in real time on their phone or tablet as they
walk through the exhibits and Permanent Exhibitions. You can visit BishopScience.org for
hours, information and admission details, or call (941) 746-4131.
The planetarium was updated
again in 2013, and the full-dome
planetarium theater now features a
projection system that is one of the
most advanced in the world.
50 GASPARILLA MAGAZINE • March/April • 2021
/BishopScience.org