Planetarium announces fall shows
The planetarium at Henderson State University’s Reynolds Science Center has scheduled five public shows this fall. From the secrets of the sun to the mystery of the Christmas star, visitors will learn about the solar system on the planetarium’s 360-degree panoramic screen. Numerous projectors are used to display video and slides, which are combined with a modern sound system.
The following shows are scheduled:
Black Holes – The Other Side of Infinity
Sept. 22, 7 p.m.
Be dazzled by the visualizations of the formation of the early universe, star birth, and death, the collision of giant galaxies, and a simulated flight to a super-massive black hole lurking at the center of our own Milky Way galaxy. (24 min)
Dawn of the Space Age
Oct. 6, 7 p.m
Oct. 9, 2 p.m.
From the launch of the first artificial satellite Sputnik, to the magnificent lunar landings – be immersed and overwhelmed with this most accurate historical reconstruction of man’s first steps into space. Who were these men and women who took part in these death-defying endeavors? Witness their drive, their passion and their perseverance to explore. (36 Min)
Mars Quest
Oct. 20, 7 p.m.
Developed in conjunction with research scientists involved with NASA’s current and future Mars missions. This show discusses the Mars of the past, what we know of Mars now and what we hope to be the Mars of the future. (41 min.)
Secrets of the Sun
Nov. 10, 7 p.m.
Nov. 13, 2 p.m.
Secrets of the Sun allow audiences to experience an intimate look at the role the sun plays in the life of our Solar System. From the nuclear forces churning at the heart of the sun to the mass ejections of solar material into the surrounding space, we will experience the power of the sun and its impact on the planets and ultimately life on Earth. We will trace the life cycle of the sun itself, going back to its beginnings and moving forward in time to its eventual death. (21 min)
Nine Planets and Counting
Nov. 17, 7 p.m.
A Sudekum Planetarium production about the International Astronomical Union’s struggle to define a planet and how that definition might affect how scientists perceive and count the planets in our own solar system. (35 Min).
Mystery of the Christmas Star
Dec. 1, 7 p.m.
Dec. 4, 2 p.m.
Dec. 8, 6 p.m.
Journey back over 2,000 years to Bethlehem as we seek to discover a scientific explanation for the star the wise men followed to find the baby Jesus. (31 min)
The shows are open to the public. There is an admission charge of $3 per person, or $1 with student or faculty ID. Extreme darkness is important to the effects of the shows, therefore, late arrivals will not be admitted. For more information, call 870-230-5170.