Published Tuesday, March 12th, 2024
The scheduled shows are “Firefall” and “Laser Fun” on Friday, and “Cosmology” and “Laser Classic Rock” on Saturday.
Wayne State College continues its free planetarium and laser shows Friday and Saturday, March 15-16, in the Fred G. Dale Planetarium. The public is invited.
On Friday, March 15, the planetarium show “Firefall” will be at 7 p.m., followed by the laser show “Laser Fun” at 8 p.m.
On Saturday, March 16, the planetarium show “Cosmology” will be at 1 p.m., followed by the laser show “Laser Classic Rock” at 2 p.m.
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.
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; guests can also enjoy the lights and music of the 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. Guests 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 and to view the complete schedule of planetarium and laser shows, 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.