In 1961, a parent of one of Charles Schweighauser’s students told him that a planetarium was being built in Forest Park and suggested that he apply for the job of director. He figured that he was too young, but applied anyway. Much to his surprise, he was hired the day before his 25th birthday. Almost two years later, on April 16, 1963, the James S. McDonnell Planetarium opened its doors giving St. Louisans a state-of-the art way to view the universe in its star chamber. The space race between the U.S.