WAYNE – “Kids Weekend” is the theme for Wayne State College’s free planetarium and laser shows Feb. 2-3.
This weekend will feature shows specifically for children in preschool through second grade inside the Fred G. Dale Planetarium. The public is invited.
On Feb. 2, the planetarium show “One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure” will be at 7 p.m., followed by the laser show “Laser Kids!” at 8 p.m.
“One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure” is a brilliant spectacle of light and color that follows Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a new friend from China.
Together, they take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon, where they discover how different it is from Earth. This cross-cultural adventure opens children’s eyes to the sky, helping them see how people all over the world are connected.
On Feb. 3, the planetarium show “Zula Patrol: Under the Weather” will be at 1 p.m., followed by the laser show “Laser Kids!” at 2 p.m.
Every weekend features a new planetarium show about a universe-sized number of topics, including the solar system, multicultural astronomy and the search for life in the universe.
Audiences also may enjoy the lights and music of many laser shows presented throughout the season, including “Laser Classic Rock,” “Laser Country,” “Laser Beatles” and “Laser Pink Floyd.”
Anyone who attends a planetarium show will receive a free pair of solar eclipse glasses.
The planetarium is located on the lowest level of Wayne State’s Carhart Science Building. Guests should use the southwest doors to enter.
Once inside, they will go to the stairs at the south end of the building and go down to the lowest level. They also may take the elevator. Carhart Science and the planetarium are handicap-accessible.
Doors open 20 minutes prior to the start of a show and shows generally include a tour of the current night sky, a view of the constellations and a full dome video. All shows last about 45 minutes.
Those wanting to book a private planetarium show should visit www.wsc.edu/planetarium and click “Contact the Planetarium” to complete the online reservation form.
For more information, people may visit www.wsc.edu/planetarium or contact Dr. Todd Young, director of the planetarium, at 402-375-7471 or toyoung1@wsc. edu.
With a solar eclipse coming April 8, Young is offering a presentation to educate various groups and organizations on the science of solar eclipses.
If people are interested in having Young present this talk to their group, they may contact him directly by phone or email. The presentation can be tailored for any age.
