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Posted: 4/14/05

TAMIU's Planetarium Open to the Public

 

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Travel to unseen structures. Catch a glimpse of Earth from any part of the known universe. Look through powerful telescopes and get a view of the actual sky at night. Learn about the brilliant stars and find out where to look for constellations and planets. Do all this at the brand new Planetarium at Texas A&M International University’s Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center.

The Planetarium’s state-of-the-art equipment uses technology that allows viewings from any part of the known universe and projects immersive full-dome images on the interior surface of the dome. The Planetarium also presents skyshows and hosts Telescope Nights.

TAMIU is committed to allowing everyone access to the Planetarium through shows designed for audiences from those in primary grades to adults.

The Secret of the Cardboard Rocket is a program for grades Pre K – 5. It follows two children who build a cardboard box rocket and then travel through the solar system.

Destination Saturn is a program for children in grades 6 – 12 and looks at how understanding of Saturn has changed over history. As the Cassini probe enters the Saturian system this summer, this program will explore how the mission might answer questions or maybe ask even more.

Wonders of the Universe is designed for upper grades and adults. The show allows audiences to peer deep into space and take a tour through the eyes of the Hubble Space Telescope, travel back billions of years in time, witness the formation of galaxies and explore nebulae and astronomical structures yet discovered.

Shows schedules are 7:30 and 9 p.m., Thursday through Saturday and 3 and 6 p.m. Sundays. General admission tickets are $5 and tickets for children under 12 are $3. Group rates are also available for groups of 20, but reservations are required.

Every Friday night, once the last show is finished (approximately 45 minutes), the Planetarium will host telescope-viewing sessions that give views of the actual night sky. All Telescope Nights are subject to cancellation without notice due to weather or viewing conditions.

The Planetarium also features skyshows which are suitable for all audiences and provide an up-to-date look at the night sky as seen from Laredo, South Texas or from anywhere in the world. The show teaches audiences where to see Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn and where to find constellations such as Orion the Giant Hunter.

Please visit the Planetarium’s on the Web 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 or call 956.326.2460.

If you have any questions concerning the operation of the TAMIU Planetarium or about astronomical happenings in the current sky, please contact Dr. John Winfrey, Planetarium director, at jwinfrey@tamiu.edu or Gerardo Perez at gaperez@tamiu.edu or call 956.326.2668.

Planetarium office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.


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