The Bushman Planetarium on campus has public shows scheduled at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30 and at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5.
The planetarium will show “Journey to the Stars” on Jan. 30. Witness the life and death of stars in our sky, including our own sun. Extraordinary images captured by telescopes on Earth and in space, combined with stunning never-before-seen images of physics-based simulations, will launch you through time and space for an incredible trek through our night sky. Tour stellar formations, explore new celestial mysteries and discover the fascinating story that connects us all to the stars.
The show on Feb. 5 will be “Extreme Planets.” For centuries, humanity has wondered whether we are alone in the Universe. Now, we are finally one step closer to knowing the answer. With the discovery in 1995 of the first planet orbiting another star, we now know that planets are not unique to our own Solar System. In fact, these “extrasolar” planets now appear to be quite common. No one has yet found an Earth-like world with conditions similar to ours, but it now seems only a matter of time. This production explores what makes a planet “Earth-like” in the first place and takes an immersive full-dome tour of several worlds that just might fit the conditions we’re looking for.
The Bushman Planetarium in Agenstein Hall features a Digistar 4 projection system and a dome that is tilted slightly, rather than directly overhead, making viewing easier. A 17-channel stereo sound system enhances the viewing experience.
Planetarium tickets must be purchased in advance, either online at missouriwestern.edu/planetarium or in person at Agenstein Hall, room 140 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets are not available at the door.
Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children, students, seniors and military.