Learn more about one of the sky’s most beautiful
phenomena, the aurora borealis, at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Allen F. Blocher Planetarium this fall.
“Aurora!” will be shown at 2 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 14, 21,
28 and Oct. 5, 12 and 19. Presented free of charge, the show takes a deeper
look at the lights of the aurora borealis, its first interpretations by native
people, and the scientists who have studied it, from Galileo to Benjamin
Franklin. Learn how the aurora borealis is linked not only to the Earth’s
magnetic field, but to the activity of the sun.
The planetarium doors open 30 minutes before the
scheduled program. Designed for a general audience, planetarium programs appeal
to all age groups. Seating is first come, first served for up to 60 people.
Groups of 15 or more may schedule a special showing of any planetarium program
by calling 715-346-2208. There is a cost of $25 per group for these special
presentations.
On Monday evenings, the “Night Skies of Fall” program is
offered in the planetarium at 8 p.m. An optional visit to the recently upgraded
Arthur J. Pejsa Observatory for sky viewing through the telescope may follow if
skies are clear.
The planetarium, www.uwsp.edu/physastr/plan_obs,
is located on the second floor of the UW-Stevens Point Science Building at the
corner of Reserve Street and Fourth Avenue. Parking is available in Lot X near
the building entrance, and is free in all university lots after 7 p.m.
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