Man of the planets

Planeterium director retires after 30 years

Megan Ransom RAN04008@BYUI.EDU campus asst. director

After 31 years of teaching and directing the BYU-Idaho Planetarium, Ellis Miller is retiring.

“He’s a great guy. He’s kind of the planetarium resident expert; we’ll all suffer greatly when he’s gone,” said David Oliphant, planetarium engineer.

Ricks and BYU-Idaho have made a few changes during the past 31 years.

“The biggest change was when the school changed from a two-year college to a four-year university. We were told repeatedly that it would never change, that they would never make that jump, but then it happened,” Miller said.

With so many experiences over so many years, it was hard for Miller to have a favorite memory.

“One of the most exciting things about teaching is when you see the concept grasped or understood and you see the light and excitement in their eyes,” Miller said.

Beyond recognizing student’s comprehension of a subject Miller has also cared for other aspects of teaching and directing the planetarium.

“I’ve enjoyed teaching. I’ve particularly enjoyed the experiences with the public in the planetarium,” Miller said.

Miller is looking forward to seeing changes in the planetarium. Specifically he’s looking forward to it being automated, having handicap access and a new star projector.

“[Miller] has a delightful sense of humor. His main concern is the students’ welfare — how they progress and achieve goals,” said Lynn Thompson, former physics faculty.

Lynn Thompson retired last summer and has known Miller since Miller began working at BYU-I 1975.

Miller began his career at Ricks College. He’s been director of the planetarium the entire time, except for a period in 2001-2003.

Miller has a doctorate in astronomy from the University of Arizona and a bachelor’s degree in Physics from BYU.