Westminster planetarium fall schedule announced

Staff report

NEW WILMINGTON, PA.

Westminster College has announced the fall schedule of shows in its planetarium in the Hoyt Science Center, on campus.

All events are free and open to the public. Reservations are necessary due to limited seating and can be made by calling 724-946-STAR or completing the form at westminster.edu/planetarium.

All shows are one-hour long. Here is the schedule:

“The Girl Who Walked Upside Down” (Saturday, 4 p.m.): This is the story of a very special girl with a love of the stars who appeared one day in spring, walking upside down across a rainbow in the sky. This show is recommended for all ages.

“One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure” (Saturday, 5:30 p.m.): Explore the night sky with friends from “Sesame Street.” Follow along with Big Bird and others as they take a journey of discovery to learn about the Big Dipper, the North Star, the Sun and the Moon. This show is recommended for children ages 3 to 6.

“Dinosaurs at Dusk” (Saturday, 7 p.m.): In this story of a father and his teenage daughter Lucy, viewers will travel back in time to meet the pterosaurs and the ancestors of modern-day birds: the feathered dinosaurs. Science content includes continental drift, the proper motion of stars, asteroids and impacts, extinctions, and the convergent development of flight among species. Outdoor skygazing will follow the screening, weather permitting. This show is recommended for ages 5-13.

“Halloween: Celestial Origins” (Oct. 27, 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.): Learn the history of Halloween and how it fits into the seasons as a “cross-quarter day.” Explore the night sky and learn what planets, constellations and stars will be out on Halloween evening. Outdoor skygazing will follow the 6:30 p.m. screening, weather permitting. This show is recommended for ages 5 and up.

“Ooky Spooky!” (Oct. 27, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.): This show features Halloween songs visually enhanced with animation on the full-dome screen. There will also be a brief live tour of autumn constellations. Outdoor skygazing will follow the 8 p.m. screening, weather permitting. This show is recommended for all ages.

“Let it Snow: A Holiday Music Journey” (Nov. 30 and Dec. 8, at 5 and 8 p.m. both days): This show features a variety of Christmas songs visually enhanced with theatrical animation and scenery. There will also be a brief live tour of winter constellations. Outdoor skygazing will follow both screenings, weather permitting. This show is recommended for all ages.

“Mystery of the Christmas Star” (Nov. 30 and Dec. 8, at 6:30 p.m.): Journey back 2,000 years to Bethlehem as we seek to discover a scientific explanation for the star the wise men followed to find baby Jesus. Investigate possible dates for the birth of Christ and look at recorded sightings of significant astronomical events. Outdoor skygazing will follow, weather permitting. This show is recommended for ages 8 and up.