When the University of Maine at Orono first opened its astronomy center in 1954, it was a second-floor facility that could only show stars visible to the naked eye from Earth’s surface.

Now, the Versant Power Astronomy Center and its observatory and telescopes cover 7,400 square feet, including a 33-foot dome.

In honor of the center’s 70th anniversary, the university is embarking on a new fundraising effort. The goal: raise $1.3 million for upgrades to give it some of the most advanced observational technology north of Boston, according to the center’s director, Shawn Laatsch.

“A modern planetarium is an immersive visualization theater,” Laatsch said. “The technology would not only make all of our programming more immersive but also allow us to show programs made exclusively in 8K. We’ll be able to increase the number of shows available at the astronomy center.”

The funding will also pay for expanding the center’s seating from 50 to 60 chairs. That includes four movable chairs and six that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The upgrades also include digital signs and interactive exhibits in the center’s lobby.

“For decades, our astronomy center has played a pivotal role in enlightening Mainers on the forces of space and celestial bodies across our universe,” said UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy. “I encourage everyone to do what they can to support this capital campaign, which will help Shawn and his team bring us closer to the stars than ever before and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and leaders in Maine’s space economy.”

Laatsch will be hosting a 70th anniversary presentation at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, where he will discuss the new fundraising campaign in detail.

Donations to the campaign can be made on the University of Maine Foundation website.