Even before he became the University’s planetarium director, Matthew Linke was gazing at the sky with wonder and awe. Linke’s connection with the planetarium field spans a quarter century, but his interest in the stars spans a lifetime.
A graduate of Central Michigan University, Linke long has been interested in sharing his love of the stars with the Michigan community. Shortly after joining the University in 1989, Linke, a self-proclaimed “eternal learner,” continued his quest for knowledge by completing his master’s degree at Eastern Michigan University. He currently is contemplating returning to school for his doctorate.
“I feel that public education is very important, and I try to do my best to try and pass on what I find so fascinating to as many interested people as possible,” he says.
In his current job, much of Linke’s time is spent researching new show possibilities, maintaining the planetarium, and hiring and training new staff. Part of the Exhibit Museum of Natural History, the planetarium boasts an array of programs, including “The Stars of Autumn” and “Wonderful Rocket,” both opening Sept. 27.
Linke relishes the opportunity to share his interests with others, particularly the young people who visit the planetarium and those he speaks to through outreach programs. The husband of a middle school teacher, he often is a guest speaker at area schools, mostly talking to middle schoolers about his love of astronomy and passing on his knowledge of it.
“I think all children have a fascination with space,” he says. “What I try to do is encourage that initial spark and hopefully expand on it.”
Linke also is a model builder, often using many of his designs in his presentations. “My office has been nicknamed the black hole’ because of the many space ships that hang from the ceiling,” he says.
An outdoor enthusiast, Linke lives with his wife and four cats outside of Ann Arbor. He and his wife recently went on a hiking and camping trip through British Columbia. The two enjoy gardening and anything that involves the outdoors.
“I would like to do more traveling, possibly visit Egypt, but all of that would probably wait until I’m retired,” he says.
