The Hubble Space Telescope is seen here moving slowly away from the space shuttle
Discovery following the Service Mission 2 in 1997. The Hubble Space Telescope has
enabled some of the most profound astronomical discoveries since its launch in 1990.
Future space-based telescopes such as the James Webb Space Telescope will provide
astronomers with the tools to make the next generation of revolutionary scientific
discoveries. (ESA/Hubble Photo)
With the school year starting at the University of Wyoming, the Harry C. Vaughan Planetarium
has an eclectic lineup of programs for returning students.
“We have a lot of really great shows planned for the start of the fall semester, including
everything from the ‘Science of Science Fiction’ to the engineering behind the scientific
instruments like the Hubble Space Telescope that allow us to explore the universe,”
says Jordan Turner, the planetarium’s interim coordinator. “Come learn about the constellations,
our sun, our solar system, the Milky Way galaxy and beyond. And then get outside while
it's still warm to explore that night sky for yourself.”
Friday night shows start at 8 p.m., and STAR Observatory star parties run from 8:30-9:30
p.m. Kid-themed planetarium shows are Saturdays at 11 a.m. The month also includes
four Tuesday night shows; they begin at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $3 for students and $4 for nonstudents. Tickets 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.-4:30 p.m., and Friday from
8 a.m.-noon. Tickets also can be purchased by going online at http://wyomingspacegrant.org/planetarium/shows/
and clicking on “Purchase tickets online with a credit card.” Doors open 20 minutes
before the show, where tickets will be sold if available. The planetarium, which seats
58, is located in the basement of the Physical Sciences Building.
The September planetarium schedule is as follows:
-- “This Month’s Sky,” Tuesday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m. September in Laramie means lots of
students, football and, of course, beautiful, clear night skies. Look out for some
amazing celestial events, such as the conjunction of the moon and Jupiter, Neptune
at its brightest and the September equinox.
-- “The Science of Science Fiction,” Friday, Sept. 6, 8 p.m. This program will cover
favorite sci-fi tropes and inventions for their real-world counterparts. The STAR
Observatory on the rooftop of the Physical Sciences Building will be open to the public
for a “star party” from 8:30-9:30 p.m. Weather permitting, telescopes will be set
up to peer into the evening sky.
-- Full-dome movie: “Dawn of the Space Age,” Tuesday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m. From the launch
of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, to the magnificent lunar landings and
privately operated space flights, visitors will be immersed in this historic reconstruction
of man’s first steps into space.
-- “Constellations Across Cultures,” Friday, Sept. 13, 8 p.m. This program will offer
a detailed look at the constellations that are known and loved, and how they are depicted
differently across different cultures.
-- “Space is Art,” Saturday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m. For many years, people have looked
up into the sky and have been inspired by the magnificent things they’ve seen there.
This program will look at some of the incredible art that has come about, thanks to
space.
-- “Laser Queen,” Saturday, Sept. 14, 8 p.m. This program takes the fun, lively and
rhythmic music of Queen and blends it with the eccentric and attention-grabbing visual
of the planetarium’s own laser program. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
-- Full-dome movie: “Cosmic Origins Spectrograph,” Tuesday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m. This
film highlights the current research of Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) aboard the
Hubble Space Telescope, the last instrument installed by the NASA astronauts. COS
has provided an unprecedented view into the vast spaces between galaxies that surround
our own Milky Way.
-- “Into the Wild Blue Yonder,” Friday, Sept. 20, 8 p.m. This program will explore
the solar system we call home and beyond. Visitors will learn about the groundbreaking
scientific instruments made in the past century and in the future. The STAR Observatory
on the rooftop of the Physical Sciences Building will be open to the public for a
“star party” from 8:30-9:30 p.m. Weather permitting, telescopes will be set up to
peer into the evening sky.
-- Full-dome movie: “Dawn of the Space Age,” Tuesday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m. From the launch
of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, to the magnificent lunar landings and
privately operated space flights, visitors will be immersed in this historic reconstruction
of man’s first steps into space.
-- “You Are a Star,” Friday, Sept. 27, 8 p.m. This program tracks energy and matter
throughout all of time and space to trace it right to you. Discover how and why you
are a star.
-- “A Special Star,” Saturday, Sept. 28, 11 a.m. This program explores why the sun
is such a special star.
-- “Laser Queen,” Saturday, Sept. 28, 8 p.m. This program takes the fun, lively and
rhythmic music of Queen and blends it with the eccentric and attention-grabbing visual
of the planetarium’s own laser program. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
For more detailed descriptions of these programs, go to www.wyomingspacegrant.org/planetarium/shows/.
