Published Monday, January 27th, 2025

Featuring "Cosmic Colors" and "Laser Classic Rock" on Friday and "Oasis in Space" and "Laser Pink Floyd" on Saturday.
Wayne State College’s planetarium and laser shows continue Friday and Saturday, Jan. 31-Feb. 1, in the Fred G. Dale Planetarium. Admission is free and open to the public, but free-will donations are accepted.
On Friday, Jan. 31, the planetarium show “Cosmic Colors” will be at 7 p.m., followed by the laser show “Laser Classic Rock” at 8 p.m.
On Saturday, Feb. 1, the planetarium show “Oasis in Space” will be at 1 p.m., followed by the laser show “Laser Pink Floyd” at 2 p.m.
In “Cosmic Colors,” audience members will discover why the sky is blue, Mars is red, and why many things are the color that they are. Touring the interior of a plant leaf, taking a voyage through the human eye, and venturing into the invisible universe by investigating X-rays by taking on a monstrous black hole. The audience will also discover what may have been the actual color of a dinosaur.
“Oasis in Space” will transport the audience on a startling and beautiful voyage through the universe, galaxy, and solar system in search of liquid water, a key ingredient for life on Earth.
All shows last about 45 minutes, and those wanting to book a private planetarium show should visit www.wsc.edu/planetarium and select “Contact the Planetarium” to complete the online reservation form. School and community groups and organizations are always welcome to book private shows.
“This spring features planetarium shows about a large variety of topics, including the Solar System, multicultural astronomy, and the search for life in the universe,” said Dr. Todd Young, director of the Fred G. Dale Planetarium. “We also have Kids Weekend, with shows specifically for kids pre-K to second grade, Sci-Fi Weekend, and Easter Weekend with shows featuring the artwork and history of the Sistine Chapel.”
The planetarium is located on the lowest level of Wayne State’s Carhart Science Building. Guests should use the southwest doors to enter. Once inside, go to the stairs at the south end of the building and go down to the lowest level. You may also take the elevator. Carhart Science and the planetarium are handicap accessible.
Doors open 20 minutes prior to the start of a show and shows generally include a tour of the current night sky, how to find the constellations, and current events in astronomy.
The shows will cycle through the planetarium’s vast library of shows, and each planetarium show will be followed by a laser show.
For more information, or to view a complete schedule of planetarium and laser shows for the Spring 2025 semester, visit www.wsc.edu/planetarium, or contact Dr. Todd Young, director of the Fred G. Dale Planetarium, at 402-375-7471 or [email protected].