The Bushman Planetarium at Missouri Western State University will present shows at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15 and Thursday, Feb. 23. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children, students, military and seniors. The planetarium is located in Agenstein Hall, room 147.
The Feb. 15 show is “Forces of Nature.” Come close to nature’s most powerful and extreme forces. Cameras capture large-scale volcanoes, earthquakes, and storms as a team of scientists travel the world in an attempt to figure out what causes these dangerous, yet undeniably thrilling natural occurrences. Putting their lives on the line in the name of scientific discovery, the experts forge their way through erupting pits, through volcanic flows, along fault lines, and in cars heading straight for tornados’ eyes. Narrated by Kevin Bacon.
The Feb. 23 show is “Sea Monsters.” Journey 80 million years back in time to an age when mighty 
dinosaurs dominated the land – and an equally astonishing assortment of ferocious creatures swarm, hunted, and fought for survival beneath the vast, mysterious prehistoric seas. Stunning, photo-realistic imagery re-creates the perilous underwater realm of two young, dolphin-sized marine reptiles called Dolichorhynchops, or Dollies, and follows their incredible journey through waters ruled by some of the most awesome predators ever to prowl the Earth’s oceans. Narrated by Liev Schreiber.
The planetarium 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.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.missouriwestern.edu/planetarium, or at the door. Doors open 20 minutes before showtime. For more information, visit the website or call 816-271-4288.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.