June 3, 2015 at 3:01 p.m.
New book tells the story of the Kovac Planetarium
New book tells the story of the Kovac Planetarium
By Kayla Thomason-
The planetarium has been open since 2007, but now fellow stargazers can read the backstory of Frank Kovac's epic project in a newly-released book.
"The Man Who Painted the Universe: The Story of a Planetarium in the Heart of the North Woods," by Ron Legro and Avi Lank, published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press, lets readers follow Kovac from the first moment the stars captured his imagination through the completion of the planetarium.
The genesis of the book dates back to five years ago when Legro visited the planetarium. He contacted Kovac after his visit and told him that he would like to tell his story.
Kovac didn't hear from Legro for a few years, but when he contacted him again he had recruited a former co-worker from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Lank, who was interested in pursuing the story as well.
"They said that they wanted to both pursue it," Kovac said. "Ron wanted to pursue it, but he thought that it would have to be with the two of them to get it done, because it was quite a bit of investigating and work to see if it was possible."
From that point on the duo stayed in contact with Kovac.
Over two years ago Legro and Lank sat down with Kovac, met his mother (his father passed away several years ago), went to Chicago to see his childhood home and the local planetarium.
"(I was) very excited (when I heard) about (the book) because I knew that would be something that would let others know about (the planetarium)," Kovac said. "A book is awesome, I really think it is, that really excited me to know that this may become a real possibility and now here it is."
Kovac said he thinks the authors did a great job telling his story.
"I read the book in about eight hours," he said. "I got it in the mail and I couldn't wait to read it. Here's a story about this thing I did and I had to read it. I think it turned out great, the cover is awesome."
Readers will get a glimpse of young Kovac's introduction to the stars when his mother took him to Chicago's Adler Planetarium. There he saw a night sky dotted with stars of various brilliance, the likes of which he hadn't seen in a bright city night.
That little introduction sparked a lifelong passion that his parents enthusiastically encouraged.
Frank A. Kovac Sr. found a 60-millimeter reflector telescope in a pawn shop and surprised his son with it.
The book covers the trips father and son took to gaze at the stars and planets, the endless possibilities and wonders that sprang forth through the lens of that little telescope.
Later, Kovac Sr. would save up and give his son a Tasco telescope that had better resolution and was 10 millimeters larger than the previous one.
Readers will also learn about Kovac's time in the United States Air Force and a bit about his father's and uncle's history and more.
"I was impressed with how they formatted it," Kovac said. "I had no idea that it would be the way they wrote it as far as talking about not just me but other things throughout history and stuff and they even said something about Hodags because it's in the Rhinelander area (the planetarium is located in nearby Monico) and the Northwoods."
Kovac had help building the planetarium and he made sure that credit was given where it was due, so those who helped are mentioned in the story.
He plans to order several copies to have for sale in his gift shop.
"Planetariums belong in cities, not here," Kovac said. "This is not a normal place for a planetarium and that's why these two authors - I feel - also were inspired by it, because they said everything is so unique about it, the whole thing is such a neat story and how it all came to be."
Kovac said he loves teaching others about the stars, seeing the smiles on their faces and their excitement.
"I wanted to share that love of the stars with others, that's why I did this (built the planetarium)," he said.
It took him 10 years to build the entire facility and five years to build the planetarium itself. From 1997 to 2007 Kovac spent nearly all of his free time making his dream a reality.
The Kovac Planetarium opened in June 2007.
"Every time I do a show (in the planetarium) I just can't wait to see the reaction of the customers when the lights dim down and the show begins. I have background music going, it's got a sound system, it's very theatre like, too," he said, adding that when customers come up to him after the show he dedicates as much time as possible to answering their questions.
He cleans the planetarium and makes sure it is ready for the next showing. He strives to make the customers' experience a positive one.
"The show is educational, it's entertaining, it's for all ages," Kovac said. "I'm very pleased with what people say about the place."
He has had customers say the planetarium is a little treasure.
Kovac left the Rhinelander paper mill in 2008 to run the planetarium year-round. Due to financial reasons, however, he recently took a full-time position with the mill. As a result, the planetarium is now open part-time by reservation.
He said he fits people in during the hours he is not at the mill. He is saddened that he can't keep the planetarium open full-time at the moment, but is hopeful that will change in the future.
Show times are about an hour and 20 minutes, including time for a tour.
Admission price is $12 for adults, $8 for children ages 6 to 12, and $10 for seniors.
To make a reservation, call and leave a message at (715) 487-4411.
Kayla Breese may be reached at kayla@ rivernewsonline.com.
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