Discover distant galaxies this summer at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Allen F. Blocher Planetarium.
Planetarium shows will be offered at 7 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays in May and June. All regular public shows are around one hour long and include a 25-min presentation focusing on the current night sky of Central Wisconsin (bright stars, constellations, planets, etc.) All events are free and open to the public, but donations are appreciated and help continue these programs:
- Monday, May 25 – “Making of a Star and Her Entourage” – Traces the evolution of humankind’s understanding of the universe.
- Wednesday, May 27 – “Supermassive Black Holes” – Shed light on the physics of black hole formation within galaxy evolution.
- Monday, June 1 – “From Earth to the Universe” – Uncover the journey of celestial discovery, from the theories of the ancient Greek astronomers to today’s grandest telescopes.
- Wednesday, June 3 – “The Sun, Our Living Star” – Journey into the life-giving power of our nearest star.
- Monday, June 8 – “Dark Matter Mystery – Exploring a Cosmic Secret” – What holds the universe together? Join scientists on their hunt for dark matter.
- Wednesday, June 10 – “Cosmic Castaways” – Discover the lives of the loneliest stars in the universe, deep in the dark voids separated from other galaxies.
- Monday, June 15 – “IBEX – The Search for the Edge of the Solar System” – Join scientists who are investigating the boundary between our Solar System and the rest of our galaxy.
- Wednesday, June 17 – “Mysteries of Your Brain” – Discover the science behind how your brain perceives the world around you.
- Monday, June 29 – “Cosmic Origins Spectrograph” – Discover spectroscopy, the science of light, and learn how scientists study the Universe by deciphering clues hidden in light arriving from distant objects.
Planetarium seating is first come, first served for up to 55 people. Groups of eight or more may schedule a special showing of any planetarium program by calling 715-346-2208 or completing an online request form. There is a cost for these requests.
The planetarium is located on the second floor of the UW-Stevens Point Science Building, 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.
Public stargazing sessions will resume in mid-September.
Learn more at https://www.uwsp.edu/smcpa/blocher-planetarium.