Thomas Gibson Chancellor | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Thomas Gibson Chancellor | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Allen F. Blocher Planetarium will offer planetarium shows at 2 p.m. on Sundays throughout September. These public events, lasting approximately one hour, include a 25-minute presentation on the current night sky of Central Wisconsin, featuring bright stars, constellations, and planets. All events are free and open to the public, though donations are welcomed to support ongoing programs.
The schedule for September is as follows:
- Sept. 1 – “The Universe in a Room: The Story of The Planetarium” – A historical look at the development of modern planetariums.
- Sept. 8 – “Spark: The Universe in Us” – An exploration of celestial events that have shaped the Solar System and Earth.
- Sept. 15 – “Starlight” – A journey through constellations, ancient cultures, star life cycles, and solar dynamics.
- Sept. 22 – “Arcs To Auroras” – An examination of Earth's magnetic fields and auroral phenomena.
- Sept. 29 – “Death of the Dinosaurs” – A depiction of dinosaur life and their extinction event.
Additionally, a Junior Scientist program titled "Lars, the Little Polar Bear" will be held from 3:40-4:10 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29, preceded by a book reading session starting at 3 p.m., in collaboration with the UW-Stevens Point Museum of Natural History.
Planetarium seating is limited to 55 people on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups of eight or more can schedule special showings by calling 715-346-2208 or submitting an online request form; these requests incur a fee.
The planetarium is situated on the second floor of the UW-Stevens Point Science Building at 2001 Fourth Ave., Stevens Point. Parking is available in Lot D behind the building and is free in all university lots after 7 p.m. and on weekends.
Starting Monday, Sept. 9, stargazing sessions will be offered Monday through Wednesday evenings from 8:30-10 p.m., weather permitting, at Colman Field (corner of Maria St. and Reserve St.). Sessions depend on clear skies and temperatures above 15 degrees Fahrenheit; weather updates are available on the department’s website.
For further details, visit https://www.uwsp.edu/smcpa/blocher-planetarium.
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