UW Planetarium to Explore Black Holes, Dark Matter in the New Year

The University of Wyoming Harry C. Vaughan Planetarium will delve into the mystery of black holes and dark matter in the new year.

“In January, we will resume the regular planetarium schedule Jan. 13 with ‘Black Holes’ after a special Jan. 6 show from Dr. Chip Kobulnicky, who will reprise ‘Star of the Magi,’” says Max Gilbraith, the planetarium’s coordinator.

To get tickets or receive more information about programs, email planetarium@uwyo.edu or leave a voicemail and a call-back phone number at (307) 766-6506. Tickets are $5 for the public and $3 for students, senior citizens, veterans, first responders and those under 18. Seating is free for children under 5.

Reservations or pre-purchase is not required, and walk-ins are welcome. Tickets can be purchased online with a credit card, reserved by email or voicemail, or purchased at the start of the show. Cash or check is accepted at the door. The planetarium, which seats 58, is in the basement of the Physical Sciences Building. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis outside of designated ADA/wheelchair seating.

To pay for tickets with a credit card, go to https://www.uwyo.edu/uwplanetarium/ticket.aspx. For a group larger than six, email the planetarium for a private show at https://uwyo.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bKuqIynOn7gFK2F. Tickets for private shows are the same as the public programs.

A film and special live talk for audiences will be featured each week. All programs are approximately an hour in length. As time allows, a portion of the show also may focus on a live sky tour or supporting information related to the film’s topic.

The January schedule is:

-- Friday, Jan. 6, 8 p.m.: “Star of the Magi.” Learn about the heavens, wonder and speculate with Kobulnicky, an astronomer and a UW professor of physics and astronomy, as he presents some of the celestial possibilities that may underlie the storied “star that rose in the East” that led the magi to the birthplace of Jesus.

-- Friday, Jan. 13, 8 p.m.: “Black Holes.” Are black holes nature’s mistake or portals to the unknown? Physics allows speculation about the nature of these bizarre structures, but astronomers are taking a closer look at these mysterious and fascinating objects.

-- Saturday, Jan. 14, 2 p.m.: “The Hot and Energetic Universe,” a full-dome movie. This film will explore the achievements of modern astronomy; the most advanced terrestrial and orbital observatories; the basic principles of electromagnetic radiation; and the natural phenomena related to high-energy astrophysics.

-- Saturday, Jan. 14, 8 p.m.: “Liquid Sky: Women Who Rock,” a music-based light show. The program will feature a custom playlist of “out-of-this-world” music from top artists in genres of rock, indie, pop, electronic and more in 5.1 surround sound. The 4K-resolution planetarium sky will become a canvas of color, patterns and movement with cutting-edge music visualization software and live VJ talent.

-- Tuesday, Jan. 17, 8 p.m.: “Wyoming Skies.” The program provides an exploration of the stars, constellations, planets, meteor showers and other celestial phenomena visible from Wyoming for the season.

-- Friday, Jan. 20, 8 p.m.: “Mars.” This program will discuss recent discoveries from the Red Planet and its ability to support life.

 -- Saturday, Jan. 21, 2 p.m.: “Dark Matter Mystery,” a full-dome movie. Dark matter is a theoretical form of invisible mass, which is believed to be present in galaxies, but it has never been seen or detected. This film takes the audience on the biggest quest of contemporary astrophysics: solving the dark matter mystery.

-- Saturday, Jan. 21, 8 p.m.: “Liquid Sky: Pop,” a music-based light show. The program will feature a custom playlist of “out-of-this-world” music from top artists in genres of rock, indie, pop, electronic and more in 5.1 surround sound. The 4K-resolution planetarium sky will become a canvas of color, patterns and movement with cutting-edge music visualization software and live VJ talent.

-- Friday, Jan. 27, 8 p.m.: “Astrobiology.” The search for extraterrestrial life continues as scientists scour the solar system for signs of ancient or modern signs of life; radio telescopes listen for signs; and next-generation telescopes explore the planets of other star systems.

-- Saturday, Jan. 28, 2 p.m.: “Distant Worlds: Alien Life?,” a full-dome movie. This film explores one of the most enduring questions of humankind: Are we alone? 

-- Saturday, Jan. 28, 8 p.m.: “Liquid Sky: Electronica,” a music-based light show. The program will feature a custom playlist of “out-of-this-world” music from top artists in genres of rock, indie, pop, electronic and more in 5.1 surround sound. The 4K-resolution planetarium sky will become a canvas of color, patterns and movement with cutting-edge music visualization software and live VJ talent.

-- Tuesday, Jan. 31, 8 p.m.: “Wyoming Skies.” The program provides an exploration of the stars, constellations, planets, meteor showers and other celestial phenomena visible from Wyoming for the season.

For more detailed descriptions of the programs, go to www.uwyo.edu/physics/planetarium/schedule.html.