"Comets are Coming," a program that explores the legacy of comets, will be shown next month at the Allen F. Blocher Planetarium at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Planetarium programs, beginning at 2 p.m. on Sundays and lasting about an hour, are scheduled on February 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and March 7 and 14. Planetarium doors open one-half hour before scheduled programs. The programs are free and open to the public.

The presentation will study the history and scientific significance of comets that are balls of ice, gas and dust. It will include information about meteor showers, the discovery of the Comet Hale-Bopp, Halley�s Comet, and an extraordinary event, the comet smashing into Jupiter in 1994.

A program on the Night Sky of Winter, details about objects in the current night sky, will be presented every Monday night at 8 p.m. If the weather is clear, participants may take advantage of an optional observatory visit for sky viewing through the telescope. A forecast of viewing conditions and a statement about whether the observatory will be open is available by calling 715-346-2208.

Designed for a general audience, planetarium programs appeal to all age groups. Seating is not reserved in the 70-seat planetarium. Groups of 15 or more may schedule a special showing of any planetarium program by calling 715-346-2208. There is a cost of $15 per group for these presentations.

The planetarium is located on the second floor of the UWSP Science Building at the corner of Reserve Street and Fourth Avenue. Parking is available in Lot X near the building entrance. On weekdays after 7 p.m., parking is free in most university lots.