Explore the light and dark of space this December at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Allen F. Blocher Planetarium.
Planetarium shows will be offered at 2 p.m. on Sundays in December. 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:
- Dec. 7 – 2 p.m. “Supermassive Black Holes: Uncovering the Invisible” – Shed light on the physics of black hole formation within galaxy evolution.
- Dec. 14 – 2 p.m. “Season of Light” – Learn about holiday customs around the world as they relate to the winter solstice and other astronomical phenomena.
A Junior Scientist planetarium program, “Larry, Cat in Space,” will be offered 3:30-4:10 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14, with a book reading season starting at 3 p.m. This program is in collaboration with the UW-Stevens Point Museum of Natural History.
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.
Stargazing sessions are available Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 8:30-10 p.m., weather dependent, on Colman field, located on the corner of Maria St. and Reserve St. Viewings will be held only if the skies are clear and the temperature is above 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Learn more and find stargazing weather updates at uwsp.edu/smcpa/blocher-planetarium.