University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point building | www.wisconsin.edu
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point building | www.wisconsin.edu
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will host a series of planetarium shows at the Allen F. Blocher Planetarium throughout October. The events, which are free and open to the public, aim to educate attendees about astronomy and the night sky over Central Wisconsin.
Regular Sunday shows begin at 2 p.m. and last about an hour, featuring a 25-minute presentation on current celestial sights such as bright stars, constellations, and planets. The schedule includes “Europe to the Stars” on October 5, highlighting powerful ground-based telescopes; “The Hot and Energetic Universe” on October 12, which focuses on astronomical phenomena like supermassive black holes and supernovas; “Musica – Why is the Universe Beautiful?” on October 19, exploring connections between art, music, physics, and mathematics; and “Spark – The Universe in Us” on October 26, examining how cosmic events have shaped the Solar System and Earth. The programs on October 19 and 26 are part of the Wisconsin Science Festival.
A Junior Scientist program titled “Understanding the Basics of the Calendar” will be held from 3:30-4 p.m. on Sunday, October 12. This event includes a book reading session starting at 3 p.m., in collaboration with the UW-Stevens Point Olson Museum of Natural History.
During Homecoming/Family Day on Saturday, October 18, additional planetarium shows will take place from morning through late afternoon. Topics include extrasolar worlds, dark matter, Mars exploration, and more.
Seating for all planetarium events is limited to 55 people on a first-come basis. Groups of eight or more can arrange special showings for a fee by contacting the university directly.
The Allen F. Blocher Planetarium is located in the Science Building at 2001 Fourth Ave., Stevens Point. Parking is available behind the building in Lot D and is free after 7 p.m. as well as during weekends across all university lots.
Stargazing sessions are also offered Monday through Wednesday evenings from 8:30-10 p.m., weather permitting, at Colman Field near Maria St. and Reserve St. These sessions occur only if skies are clear and temperatures exceed 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
More information about schedules or weather updates can be found at uwsp.edu/smcpa/blocher-planetarium.
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