The University of Saint Francis presents “Star of Bethlehem 2015” at the Edwin Clark Schouweiler Memorial Planetarium, opening Saturday, December 5 and continuing through Sunday, December 20. This program is part of the university’s “Christmas at USF” festivities.
Several programs will be offered each of the first three weekends of December. On Wednesday, December 9, which is “Senior Day” during Christmas at USF, the Schouweiler Planetarium will offer special weekday afternoon showtimes for “Star of Bethlehem 2015” at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Star of Bethlehem Opening Week Schedule:
Saturday, December 5 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 6 at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Wednesday, December 9 at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. (“Senior Day”)
The public is invited to join the planetarium staff for a 90-minute program exploring the path of the Wise Men as they follow the star under the Mideastern sky of 3 B.C. Using the latest astronomical, historical and Biblical research, explanations of what the Christmas star might have been will be presented. During the live portion of the show, planetarium staff will reveal to visitors the wonders of the winter night sky in Fort Wayne.
Before the show, ticket holders can enjoy a pre-show featuring October’s pre-dawn Venus-Jupiter conjunction that was strikingly similar to what the Wise Men might have seen in the fall of 2 B.C. as they traveled from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. The pre-show will also include the latest images of Pluto from the New Horizons Spacecraft.
Guests should arrive 15 minutes early to purchase tickets, and seating will be available in an adjacent auditorium before the show begins. No one will be admitted after the program starts. While the program is for visitors of all ages, young children must be able to sit quietly in the dark.
Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for senior citizens and children under age 18. The maximum charge is $14 per family (family consisting of two adults and their dependent children). Fort Wayne Astronomical Society members and USF students, faculty and staff with ID will be admitted for $1.
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 http://planetarium.sf.edu or by calling 260-399-7700, ext. 8404.
