Restored Greenville Science Center Star Returns
The $130,000 restoration repairs electrical and structural systems on the landmark, which once served as a flight wayfinder.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Space
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The Roper Mountain Science Center has reinstalled its signature star on its pedestal following a $130,000 restoration project. Originally built in 1995 as a gift for Buck Mickel, the structure underwent repairs to its wiring and lighting system.
Why it matters
The restoration brings back a structural landmark that formerly functioned as a visual navigation wayfinder for pilots in the Greenville area. The upgrade ensures the site maintains its historic infrastructure after the facility ended its formal light show in 2017.
The $130,000 restoration covered structural, electrical, and lighting upgrades. The center has not yet disclosed the specific technical specifications of the new lighting system compared to the 1995 original.
The players
Roper Mountain Science Center
A science education facility that maintains astronomical and scientific exhibits for the public.
Buck Mickel
The individual for whom the star was originally commissioned as a birthday gift.
The details
Engineers performed comprehensive maintenance on the star to resolve long-standing structural and electrical deficiencies. The process involved a full overhaul of the internal wiring and lighting hardware, which had fallen into disrepair since the center ceased its light show programs in 2017.
Timeline
The star was originally constructed and placed in 1995.
The facility ended its public light show in 2017.
The star was removed for technical repairs in November 2025.
The center announced the star's return on October 20, 2026.
The Tech Race
The restoration of the star represents a reinvestment in the long-term infrastructure at the Roper Mountain Science Center. This effort follows a decade-long shift in the facility's programming after the 2017 conclusion of its light show operations.
Residents of Greenville will see the return of the landmark, which previously served as a visual wayfinder for local pilots. The center has stated that details regarding the official public relighting schedule will be released in the near future.
The takeaway
The return of the structure honors the 100th birthday of Buck Mickel, which occurs on December 17, 2026. Readers should monitor the Roper Mountain Science Center for the announcement of the formal relighting date.
Further reading
For more information on regional developments in astronomy and science, visit the Space section.
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