Featuring "Firefall" and "Laser Fun" on Friday and "Cosmology" and "Laser Classic Rock" on Saturday.
Wayne State College’s free planetarium and laser shows continue Friday and Saturday, March 21-22, in the Fred G. Dale Planetarium. Admission is free and open to the public, but free-will donations are accepted.
On Friday, March 21, the planetarium show “Firefall” will be at 7 p.m., followed by the laser show “Laser Fun” at 8 p.m.
On Saturday, March 22, the planetarium show “Cosmology” will be at 1 p.m., followed by the laser show “Laser Classic Rock” at 2 p.m.
About “Firefall”
Throughout Earth’s violent history, impacts from comets and asteroids have mercilessly shaped its surface. The ancient barrage continues today; from harmless meteors – those brilliant streaks in the night sky, to mountain sized boulders wandering perilously close to Earth. Terrifying and majestic, these invaders from space are capable of utter destruction yet they have delivered life-giving water and most of the organic materials necessary for life.
Life on Earth owes its very existence to these denizens of the solar system, yet it could all be wiped out in an instant. This ceaseless firefall is our only tangible connection to the universe beyond and is an ever-present reminder of our own humble beginnings in the hostile environment of space.
About “Cosmology”
The study of our universe is as old as time, yet our understanding of the origins and nature of the universe is less than 100 years old.
This full-dome planetarium program, written and produced by high school and college students, is an overview of the science of cosmology. From our earliest theories about the size of the universe to the big bang theory, this show details how our understanding has evolved over time.
About the Fred G. Dale Planetarium
All shows last about 45 minutes, and those wanting to book a private planetarium show should contact Dr. Todd Young, director of the planetarium, at [email protected] or 402-375-7471. To view a complete schedule of planetarium and laser shows for the Spring 2025 semester, visit the planetarium. Schools, community groups, and other 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 Young. “We also have 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.