The Bushman Planetarium at Missouri Western State University will have three public shows in April. The planetarium is located in Agenstein Hall. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children, students and senior citizens. They may be purchased at the door or in advance at www.missouriwestern.edu/planetarium.
The show schedule is:
7 p.m. Wednesday, April 13: “Hubble”
Since its launch in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope has provided incredible images in unprecedented detail to astronomers, and made an astonishing array of discoveries – from nearby objects in the solar system to the most distant galaxies at limits of the observable universe. This show has taken the best and most exciting Hubble images and woven them into an engaging story of cosmic exploration, bringing the wonders of the universe to audiences everywhere.
7 p.m. Tuesday, April 19: “Black Holes”
Narrated by film actor John de Lancie (“Q” in the Star Trek TV series), this immersive digital theater program incorporates some of the most visually stunning three-dimensional effects ever created for the dome. Designed for all audiences, this full-length production features 3-D simulations of black holes and the strange physical and visual effects they can create. Audiences will be able to see and feel what it might be like to approach the supermassive black hole at the center of our own Milky Way galaxy, or speculate on the existence of “worm holes,” theoretical portholes in space and time.
7 p.m. Thursday, April 28: “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. This show 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 features a Digistar 4 projection system and a dome that is slightly tilted, rather than directly overhead, making viewing easier. Doors open 20 minutes before show time.
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.