Autumn skies bring new constellations, stars and deep sky objects. The most famous
of these deep sky objects is M31, or the Andromeda Galaxy. This spiral galaxy lies
approximately 2.5 million light years from Earth, but can be seen in the night sky
when no light pollution is present. The galaxy is enlarged in this photo and located
just to the right of the Milky Way, which runs down the center of this photo. (UW
Planetarium Photo)
With a brisk chill in the air, leaves changing color and nights getting longer, it’s
time to start bundling up before stepping outside to stargaze in Laramie. A number
of programs at the Harry C. Vaughan University of Wyoming Planetarium during October
focus on the clear autumn night skies. One program even has a Halloween theme.
“This month at the planetarium welcomes the new season and the changes that come with
it,” says Samantha Ogden, the planetarium’s coordinator. “We also are happy to introduce
our new Tuesday night shows. These evenings will alternate between our thrilling full-dome
movies and our fun ‘This Month’s Sky’ shows designed to introduce audiences to the
night sky and the many astronomical events that take place throughout the year.”
Friday shows during October start at 8 p.m., with a laser light show or a STAR Observatory
tour scheduled to follow about an hour later. Kid-themed shows are scheduled Saturdays
at 11 a.m. October also includes four Tuesday night shows, all of which begin at 7
p.m.
Tickets cost $3 for students and $4 for non-students, and can be purchased at the
Department of Physics and Astronomy main office, located in Room 204 of the Physical
Sciences Building, Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m.-noon.
Doors open 20 minutes before each show, where tickets will be sold if available. The
planetarium, which seats 58, is located in the basement of the Physical Sciences Building.
Since the renovations were finished in November 2014, the full-dome shows now provide
immersive 3-D experiences. Traditional star shows have been replaced with far more
interactive presentations, similar to an IMAX theater. Laser shows consist of three
lasers (red, blue and green) that project graphics on the dome. The lasers are synchronized
with music, and pre-programmed graphics and images are displayed.
The October planetarium schedule is as follows:
-- “This Month’s Sky,” Tuesday, Oct. 4, 7 p.m. As the months and seasons change in
Wyoming, new and different astronomical events occur in our nighttime sky. No matter
what time of year, there is always something to see after the sun goes down. From
constellations to meteor showers to visible planets, this program acts as a guide
to these remarkable events and where to find them.
-- “Moons,” Friday, Oct. 7, 8 p.m. Methane lakes, volcanoes of ice, deep chasms and
vast oceans can be found on the moon. Celebrate International Observe the Moon Night
by experiencing the biggest playground in the solar system: the planetary moons. A
Laser Gaga laser light show follows at 9:10 p.m.
-- “Constellations for Beginners,” Saturday, Oct. 8, 11 a.m. For thousands of years,
humans have been looking at the stars and using their imaginations to develop wonderful
stories about the constellations they create. The constellations include stories of
heroes and heroines, monsters and villains, and gods and goddesses. Discover these
amazing tales behind the autumn constellations. Patrons who stay after the show can
design their own constellations and write their origin stories to win a stellar prize.
-- “IBEX: Search for the Edge of the Solar System,” Tuesday, Oct. 11, 7 p.m. The
sun lies at the center of our solar system, and it is orbited by the eight planets,
Pluto and so much more. What other cosmic objects make up our solar system? And where
does the solar system end? This film will look beyond the orbit of Pluto to discover
that our solar system reaches farther than we could have ever imagined. This program
takes audiences on a journey to where our solar system ends and the interstellar medium
begins.
-- “Autumn Skies,” Friday, Oct. 14, 8 p.m. With a new school year, football games
and autumn stargazing, fall has hit Wyoming. For the next few months, there will be
something to see in the sky from sunset to sunrise. Not sure when or where to look?
This program will be your guide to Wyoming’s autumn sky and will include which constellations
are visible and how to find them; the planets you’ll be able to spot; and when to
look for upcoming meteor showers. A STAR Observatory tour (weather permitting) follows
at 9 p.m.
-- “This Month’s Sky,” Tuesday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m. As the months and seasons change in
Wyoming, new and different astronomical events occur in the night sky. No matter what
time of year, there is always something to see after the sun goes down. From constellations
to meteor showers to visible planets, this program acts as a guide to these remarkable events and where to find them.
-- “Future Skies,” Friday, Oct. 21, 8 p.m. The sun rises and sets each day; constellations
change with the seasons; and planets march across our evening and morning skies. These
are the motions of our solar system that humans have witnessed over the centuries.
But, the entire universe is constantly evolving, though on a time scale too long for
humans to observe. Starting with the present day, and ending billions of years from
now, this program will show you the sky’s evolution and how it will appear from Earth
in the distant future. A STAR Observatory tour (weather permitting) follows at 9 p.m.
-- “Hot and Cold,” Saturday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m. From the hottest stars to the coldest
moons, space is full of extremes. This show will make patrons glad to know that the
Earth is in a Goldilocks zone: not too hot and not too cold, just right for life to
thrive. After the show, visitors can warm up or cool down with a refreshing treat:
liquid nitrogen ice cream and hot cocoa.
-- “IBEX: Search for the Edge of the Solar System,” Tuesday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m. The sun
lies at the center of our solar system, and it is orbited by the eight planets, Pluto
and so much more. What other cosmic objects make up our solar system? And where does
the solar system end? This film will look beyond the orbit of Pluto to discover that
our solar system reaches farther than we could have ever imagined. This program takes
audiences on a journey to where our solar system ends and the interstellar medium
begins.
-- “The Spooky Side of Space,” Friday, Oct. 28, 8 p.m. Space is an ever-growing void
of darkness, emptiness and the unknown. From black holes to aliens, space can be very
scary at times. But, science helps us to learn more about these objects so they become
a lot less scary and much more fascinating. Patrons can celebrate the holiday dressed
in their favorite costumes and receive a special prize at the door. A Halloween party
follows at 9 p.m.
