Published Monday, January 29th, 2024
Big Bird and Elmo highlight “Kids Weekend” at the planetarium, featuring shows specifically for preschool through second grade children.
“Kids Weekend” is the theme for Wayne State College’s free planetarium and laser shows Friday and Saturday, Feb. 2-3, in the Fred G. Dale Planetarium. The public is invited.
“Kids Weekend” features shows specifically for preschool through second grade children.
On Friday, Feb. 2, the planetarium show “One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure” will be at 7 p.m., followed by the laser show “Laser Kids!” at 8 p.m.
“One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure” is a brilliant spectacle of light and color that follows Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a new friend from China. Together, they take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon, where they discover how different it is from Earth. This cross-cultural adventure opens children’s eyes to the sky, helping them see how people all over the world are connected.
On Saturday, Feb. 3, the planetarium show “Zula Patrol: Under the Weather” will be at 1 p.m., followed by the laser show “Laser Kids!” at 2 p.m.
Every weekend features a new planetarium show about a universe-sized number of topics, including the Solar System, multicultural astronomy, and the search for life in the universe. Audiences can also enjoy the lights and music of many laser shows presented throughout the season, including Laser Classic Rock, Laser Country, Laser Beatles, and Laser Pink Floyd.
Anyone who attends a planetarium show will receive a free pair of solar eclipse glasses.
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, a view of the constellations, and a full dome video.
All shows last about 45 minutes. Those wanting to book a private planetarium show should visit www.wsc.edu/planetarium and click “Contact the Planetarium” to complete the online reservation form. For more information, visit www.wsc.edu/planetarium, or contact Dr. Todd Young, director of the Fred G. Dale Planetarium, at 402-375-7471 or [email protected].
Solar Eclipse Talks
With a solar eclipse coming April 8, Dr. Todd Young is offering a presentation to educate various groups and organizations on the science of solar eclipses. If you are interested in having Young present this talk to your group, please contact him directly at 402-375-7471 or [email protected]. The presentation can be tailored for any age.
In the lobby of the planetarium, solar glasses for looking at the Sun are for sale. They are $2 for one pair of glasses or $5 for three pairs. Never look at the sun without using proper solar glasses.