SC Wisconsin News

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Allen F. Blocher Planetarium will host various shows in May, offering the public opportunities to engage with celestial topics. These events will commence post-academic year, with a summer schedule starting on May 26. Shows will run at 2 p.m. on Sundays throughout May, and at 7 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning May 26.

The presentations will last about an hour, featuring a 25-minute segment dedicated to the astronomical phenomena visible in Central Wisconsin's night sky. Admission to the shows is free of charge, with donations welcome to support ongoing programs.

Scheduled presentations include "Explore" on May 4, which will examine how people historically used the sky for measuring time. On May 11, "Spark: The Universe in Us" delves into the cosmic events that formed the solar system, Earth, and human beings. Beginning May 26, a live presentation titled "Cosmic Cycles" will explore the relationship between natural cosmic cycles and time, calendars, and seasons. On May 28, "Phantom of the Universe – the Search for Dark Matter" will cover the history and scientific efforts behind understanding dark matter.

The Junior Scientist program, in collaboration with the UW-Stevens Point's Olson Museum of Natural History, will be available on select Sundays from 3:40-4:10 p.m., beginning with a 3 p.m. book reading session. On May 1, the program will feature "The Hot and Cold Game," discussing the Earth’s diverse climates and their changes.

Planetarium seating is open to the first 55 attendees. Groups of eight or more can arrange special showings by contacting 715-346-2208 or completing an online form. There is a charge associated with these private requests. The planetarium is situated on the second floor of the UW-Stevens Point Science Building at 2001 Fourth Avenue. Parking, free after 7 p.m. and on weekends, is available in Lot D behind the building.

For further details, interested individuals can visit the university's planetarium webpage.