STEPHENVILLE (January 20, 2016) — A full schedule of new shows at the Tarleton State University Planetarium begins Friday, Jan. 22, and runs through the spring semester.
The 86-seat planetarium is located on the ground floor of the Dr. Lamar Johanson Science Building in Room 101 beneath a 40-foot copper dome in the heart of Tarleton’s Stephenville campus.
New shows are set for Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Special weekday screenings are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.—with reservations—for school groups, clubs, civic organizations and others.
New planetarium shows for spring are:
Fridays
• 6 p.m. – Stars of the Pharaohs
Travel to ancient Egypt 6,000 years ago to see how astronomers made the first solar calendar, aligned temples and pyramids and told time by the stars. Discover the connection ancient Egyptians felt with the heavens and explore the most spectacular temples and tombs of the ancient world, projected in their original splendor. Narrated by John Rhys-Davies.
• 7 p.m. – Seven Wonders
Turn back the pages of time and witness the ancient wonders of the world. Explore the theories of how these wonders were created. Narrated by British actor Sean Bean, who played Boromir in the feature film trilogy Lord of the Rings.
Saturdays
• 3 p.m. – One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure
This special children’s program, intended for ages 5 through 8, begins on Sesame Street when Elmo’s friend, Hu Hu Zhu, visits from China. Together, Big Bird, Elmo and Hu Hu Zhu locate the Big Dipper, the North Star and the moon. Children use their imaginations to explore the moon and then return to earth to discover that we all live under the same sky.
• 4 p.m. – Larry Cat in Space
Targeted at children in kindergarten through third grade, this playful, imaginative cartoon features an inquisitive cat who takes a trip to the moon. Parents and children alike will enjoy the show.
• 6 p.m. – Origins of Life
Tour the far reaches of the universe and evolution of Earth in this fully immersive space experience. From the Big Bang theory to new life on Earth, from great extinctions to the search for life beyond our planet, Origins of Life is an inspirational journey through time.
• 7 p.m. – Lamps of Atlantis
As part of this search for the lost continent of Atlantis, discover how ancient Greeks understood astronomy and how constellations got their names. Was Atlantis a real place? Did it really sink into the sea? Uncover clues to help solve this age-old mystery.
The recently upgraded Tarleton Planetarium is home to digital high-definition technology and full-motion video capabilities, allowing viewers an up-close view of the galaxy. The new technology features 4,000 lines of resolution per projector, higher than most movies and closer in realism to watching Blu-ray discs.
All planetarium shows are suitable for general audiences.
Admission is $5 per person or $4 for Tarleton students with ID, senior citizens 65 and older, military personnel with a valid ID and police and firefighters. For groups of 60 or more, admission is $4 per person. The planetarium accepts cash or check. Guests may park in lots P26 or P27, both adjacent to the Lamar Johanson Science Building. For a campus map and interactive building locator, visit www.map.tarleton.edu.
To schedule school groups, clubs or other gatherings at the Tarleton Planetarium, call 254-968-0523. Advance notice is required for private screenings.
For more information about Tarleton’s planetarium, visit www.tarleton.edu/planetarium.
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