by Krystal Paco

Guam - Speaker Judi Won Pat may have called a roundtable discussion on the possible closure of the planetarium for January 24, but UOG president Dr. Robert Underwood is asking to push it back. Underwood says prior to the planetarium's closure, which is set for the end of spring 2013 semester, the university is actively looking at alternatives and considering options to provide planetarium shows at a public museum or at individual school sites.

Until those ideas are better developed, however, they will not share them with the public.

He adds he will work with the governor, the Legislature, the Guam Museum and other educational institutions to ensure the starts are not put out of focus as the university focuses on its core mission.

The university is looking at converting the space into additional classrooms. Presently, the planetarium does not align with UOG curriculum as there is no astrology program.

Won Pat has since rescheduled the hearing for February 4 at 9:30am.