The Team

Meet the Team

The Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium opened its doors with the goal of serving a wide and diverse audience of science and space enthusiasts. To accomplish this, two operations were formed that specialize in serving different segments of the community. The STEM Outreach team focuses on providing educational experiences for schools and other similar groups. The planetarium team, led by Eric Edelman, maintains the facility and endeavors to provide unique opportunities for ERAU students, faculty, and staff, as well as the greater public.

Eric Edelman

Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium Director

Eric Edelman joined the ERAU family in the 2017 summer in order to bring the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium online. As manager of the facility, he uses his BA/MA in Astronomy and passion for science communication to curate a library of planetarium shows covering a variety of topics in an effort to speak to the many passions and interests of the Prescott community. You have the opportunity to see Eric and his talented ERAU student workers hosting showings and events for the public at the planetarium on many weekends throughout the year. For more information on upcoming public events, please visit our Upcoming Shows page.

Suzy Gurton

Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium Assistant Director

Suzy Gurton joined the staff of the planetarium in summer of 2024. After earning a degree in astronomy from the University of Arizona, she has worked in large and small planetariums across the country from LA to NY, took a turn to focus on astronomy education through hands on learning, and has now circled back to her planetarium roots. With an eye to expanding the school show offerings and working with the students on campus, she is thrilled to be back in Arizona with its star-filled skies and the state-of-the-art digital planetarium at ERAU.