ARKADELPHIA -- The planetarium at Henderson State University's Reynolds Science Center has scheduled four public shows this fall.
From the Cassini spacecraft's exploration of the solar system to a history of stargazing, visitors will learn about the planets 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 shows are open to the public. There is an admission charge of $3 per person, or $1 with student ID. Extreme darkness is important to the effects of the shows, therefore, late arrivals will not be admitted.
The first 36-minute showing of "Saturn -- Jewel of the Heavens" was last Thursday. The next showing is Thursday at 7 p.m.
The Cassini spacecraft has lifted the veil on the once mysterious giant of the solar system. Data has been collected, not only on the giant itself, but also on the many moons orbiting Saturn and the particles encircling the planet known to all as the rings of Saturn.
"IBEX -- Search for the Edge of the Solar System," a 27-minute show, will be presented Oct. 9 and Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. both nights. It is designed for visitors with an appreciation for the challenges of space science and a desire to learn more about science research.
The show follows the creation of NASA's Interstellar Boundary explorer. Audiences will get an in-depth look at the mission and how IBEX is collecting high-speed atoms to create maps of our solar system's boundary.
The show, "Astronomy -- 3,000 Years of Stargazing," will be available Nov. 13 and Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. The show is 34 minutes.
The final show of the fall, "Mystery of the Christmas Star" which is 31 minutes, will be shown Dec. 4, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. each night. Viewers will journey back over 2,000 years to Bethlehem to seek a scientific explanation for the star the wise men followed to find the baby Jesus.
School on 09/21/2014