UW-Stevens Point to host planetarium shows this May

See the light and dark of space this May at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Allen F. Blocher Planetarium.

Planetarium shows will be offered at 2 p.m. on Sundays in May. All regular public shows are around one hour long and include a 25-min presentation focusing on the current night sky of Central Wisconsin (bright stars, constellations, planets, etc.) All events are free and open to the public, but donations are appreciated and help continue these programs.

• May 3 - 2 p.m. "Phantom of the Universe - The Search for Dark Matter" - Explore one of the great frontiers in science and the search to understand dark matter.
• May 10 - 2 p.m. "Seeing! The Journey of a Photon Through Space, Time and Mind" - Narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, learn about the journey of a single photon from a distant star to a human retina.

A Junior Scientist planetarium program, "Max Goes to the Moon" will be offered 3:30-4:10 p.m., Sunday, May 10, with a book reading season starting at 3 p.m. This program is in collaboration with the Olson UW-Stevens Point Museum of Natural History.

Planetarium seating is first come, first served for up to 55 people. Groups of eight or more may schedule a special showing of any planetarium program by calling 715-346-2120 or completing an online request form. There is a cost for these requests.

The planetarium is located on the second floor of the UW-Stevens Point Science Building, 2001 Fourth Ave., Stevens Point. Parking is available in Lot D behind the building and is free in all university lots after 7 p.m. and on weekends.

Stargazing sessions are available Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 8:30-10 p.m., weather dependent, on Colman field, located on the corner of Maria St. and Reserve St. Viewings will be held only if the skies are clear and the temperature is above 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Learn more and find stargazing weather updates at uwsp.edu/smcpa/blocher-planetarium.