The Edwin Clark Schouweiler Memorial Planetarium at the University of Saint Francis presents its Fall Planetarium Weekend Friday, October 23-Sunday, October 25.
“Aurora” will be the evening program Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. It reveals the secrets of the northern and southern lights as an unraveling historical mystery voyage. Six special effects machines recreate the aurora on the planetarium’s star-filled dome. Aurora is appropriate for 5th graders through adults.
Two different programs will be featured for the Saturday and Sunday afternoon family matinees.
Saturday’s family matinee on October 24 at 3:30 p.m. is “A Solar System Adventure Tour” (appropriate for grades 2-4 and accompanying adults). This interactive tour of the Solar System involves young audience members in the operation of the space ship taking the audience on this journey.
Sunday’s family matinee on October 25 at 3:30 p.m. will be” Larry Cat in Space” (appropriate for grades K-5 and accompanying adults). “Larry” is a playful and imaginative cartoon about an inquisitive cat who takes a trip to the moon. Along the way the audience is taught many facts about the moon.
All programs consist of a multimedia show and a staff-led tour of the October night sky. All programs are 90 minutes long except “Larry Cat in Space” which is 75 minutes. Early arrivals following ticket purchase will see an informal pre-show in the USF Gunderson Auditorium. Pre-shows will include an update with the latest images from Pluto and viewing tips for the Venus-Jupiter Conjunction now in progress in the pre-dawn sky.
Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for senior citizens and children under 18. The maximum charge is $14 per family. An additional $1 discount will be given to Fort Wayne Astronomical Society members. Tickets are purchased at the door.
The USF Schouweiler Planetarium is located in the Achatz Hall of Science on the University of Saint Francis campus off Leesburg Road. More information may be found on the USF Schouweiler Planetarium website at planetarium.sf.edu or by calling 260-399-7700, ext. 8404.
