UW-Stevens Point’s planetarium offers shows this February

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

Planetarium shows will be offered at 2 p.m. on Sundays in February. 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:

• Jan. 25 - 2 p.m. "Messengers of Time and Space" - Learn about the imminent revolution in astronomy driven by time-domain and multi-messenger observations.
• Feb. 1 - 2 p.m. "Forward! To the Moon!" - Join Kari Byron from "MythBusters" and "Crash Test World" to talk about NASA's space endeavors within the 21st century and the next steps towards establishing lunar outposts.
• Feb. 8 - 2 p.m. "Mars: The Ultimate Voyage" - Explore the inherent challenges of future human expeditions to the red planet.
• Feb. 15 - 2 p.m. "Variable Stars in the Winter/Spring" - Learn how some stars we see get brighter and even fainter over various periods of time.
• Feb. 22 - 2 p.m. "The Largest Black Hole in the Universe" and "The Incredible Power of Quasars" - Enjoy two short shows about a journey through the universe to compare black holes of all sizes and quasars, powerful blazing beacons powered by supermassive black holes devouring matter at the centers of galaxies.

A Junior Scientist planetarium program, "Leo and Art" will be offered 3:30-4:10 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 8, with a book reading season starting at 3 p.m. This program is in collaboration with the 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 715-346-2208 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.