Planetarium Fall Show Series Begins Oct. 7
The brilliant fall stars will shine in the night sky and under the dome at UMaine’s Maynard F. Jordan Planetarium, as planetarium Director Alan Davenport rolls out the October schedule.
Public programs start in Friday, Oct. 7 with shows every Friday evening at 7 p.m. through December. Shows geared toward young stargazers are on the first and third Fridays of each month and more mature topics are scheduled on the second and fourth Fridays, with special showings of the holiday program “Season of Light” in December.
Featured in this fall’s series is the new program, “2012: Prophecies of the Maya,” produced by the Houston Museum of Natural Science, on Oct. 14 and Oct. 28.
“The hype of the apocalypse hucksters is put to rest by this portrait of the religion, science and civilization of the ancient Maya,” Davenport says. “Also, the popular and personable tour of the planets, ‘Our Sky Family,’ is offered Oct. 7 and Oct. 21 for ages 5-9.”
The space theater in Wingate Hall on the Orono campus has been host to many thousands of visitors in years past and continues to provide Maine sky watchers with views that are out of this world, according to Davenport. Each one-hour show includes a look at the night sky and a feature story to entertain and educate, too.
The Jordan Observatory is open on clear Fridays after the star shows and everyone is welcome to drop in for a look through the Alvan Clark telescope. “The stars and planets can become fast friends with the magic cast by these programs,” Davenport says.
The remainder of the planetarium’s fall season features a variety of shows for all ages. For more information and show descriptions, visit the Jordan Planetarium website (www.GalaxyMaine.com).
The schedule is as follows.
Friday, Oct. 7 & 21 at 7 p.m. – “Our Sky Family”
Friday, Oct 14 & 28 at 7 p.m. – “2012: Prophecies of the Maya”
Friday, Nov. 4 & 18 at 7 p.m. – “The Little Star That Could”
Friday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. – “Black Holes”
(No show Friday, Nov. 25)
Friday, Dec. 2 & 16 at 7 p.m. – “Earth, Moon & Sun”
Friday, Dec. 9 & 23 at 7 p.m. – “Origins of Life”
Sunday, Dec. 4, 11, & 18 at 2 p.m. – “Season of Light”
In addition, open afternoon showings of select programs are scheduled especially for home school families the first Friday of each month. See the website for more information.
Admission to the planetarium is still $3 per person and seating is limited so advance reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 581-1341. Observatory telescope viewings are free to all.
Contact: Alan Davenport, (207) 581-1341