The last shows of the spring semester are May 2-3, 2025.
Wayne State College’s free planetarium and laser shows will end for the 2024-25 academic year Friday and Saturday, May 2-3, in the Fred G. Dale Planetarium. Admission is free and open to the public, but free will donations are accepted.
On Friday, May 2, 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, May 3, 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. Tour the interior of a plant leaf, voyage through a human eye, then step into the invisible universe as the audience investigates 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.
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 www.wsc.edu/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.
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.