TAMIU Planetarium Show Benefits Bruni High School Robotics Team

You can be among the first to take a peek inside the new Planetarium at Texas A&M International University's Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center, Monday, April 18and Tuesday, April 19.

The Planetarium will host its first benefit show with proceeds going to the Bruni High School Robotics Team.

"The University gave the students tickets to shows for two evenings at the Planetarium to raise funds to attend the national competition in Georgia" explained Dr. John Winfrey, Planetarium director.

The show scheduled is called "Getting to Know Your Planetarium," which is really an immersion theater. It features the four different modes in which it operates. It includes a traditional live star show where the audience will fly into the solar system, a show aimed at children in elementary, ten minutes from a feature show called Destination Saturn, and ten minutes of a music show with lights moving in synch with the music. Shows start at 6 and 8 p.m.

"Anyone interested in purchasing a ticket can call Bruni High School at 361.747.5415, extension 114. Tickets are $6 and we can arrange to deliver the tickets on campus," said Mark Morales, team sponsor.

"Our Robotics team participates in two competitions. The first one was in the fall and the second is in the spring and called FIRST. FIRST is an acronym meaning For Inspiration Recognizing Science Technology. In the FIRST Robotic Competition, we build a large and complex robot. Costs for competing run very near to $10,000," added Morales.

"This also benefits the University as a recruiting tool because the students work with professors and that makes the transition from high school to college more attractive. This way, we seamlessly introduce them to the University environment," said Dr. Winfrey.

"Students are able to talk to participating professors and in the future, hopefully, some students from TAMIU will also participate. I think this provides an insight four our students into life in college and some information into possible careers in math, science and technology. I also think it helps to inspire students into fields that they otherwise might not consider," presumed Morales.

For tickets, call Bruni High School at 361.747.5415, extension 114.

Please visit the new Planetarium's Web site at www.tamiu.edu/coas/planetarium for more information on show schedules and coming attractions. The Web site also has information and reservation request forms for private shows. Information is also available by calling 956.326.2460.

For questions about the TAMIU Planetarium or current astronomical happenings, please contact Dr. Winfrey at jwinfrey@tamiu.edu or Gerardo Perez at gaperez@tamiu.edu or call 956.326.2668.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu