UMaine Planetarium Announces Winter Star Show Schedule

The new Maynard F. Jordan Planetarium in the Emera Astronomy Center at the University of Maine launches its first year of operation with family star shows that will let audiences experience space through the most advanced sky theater in Maine.

In February, the planetarium’s programs include “Stars” at 7 p.m. every Friday, starting Feb. 6. The show examines the energetic lives of stars with close-up images and narration by the original Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill.

For the younger crowd, at 2 p.m. Sundays, starting Feb. 1, the star dome fills with models and simulations that explain the mysterious, often vital interactions of “Earth, Moon & Sun” with the help of a foolish coyote.

The planetarium’s Definiti digital visualization theater features a model of the universe that will recreate a cluster of the moon, Mars and Venus that takes place in late February. Star show visitors will learn how to view the rare grouping in the Maine sky and how the planets and moon align from an astronaut’s point of view.

In March, “Undiscovered Worlds” will explore the planets of distant stars on Friday evenings; and “The Little Star That Could,” a show of stars and success for younger children, will play Sunday afternoons. A March solar eclipse not visible from Maine will be simulated in the Definiti 4K theater as a special live segment in each show.

Admission to all shows is $6, and seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased in advance by phone, mail or in person at the Jordan Planetarium, 5799 Emera Astronomy Center, Orono ME 04469-5799. More information, show descriptions and a full schedule are available at the Emera Astronomy Center website. For more information about visits and programs, call 581.1341.