TAMIU Planetarium Offers Weekly Sky Shows

Although it's only been open for a little more than two weeks, the Planetarium at Texas A&M International University's (TAMIU) Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center (LBVSC) rivals other area entertainment venues in popularity. It's the place to catch a show in the only immersion theater in town or to view the actual night sky through a 12-inch Meade computer-controlled telescope.

"We began live telescope viewing after Friday shows because the weather looks most promising then. It was a big hit. People were wandering in off the street," said Dr. John Winfrey, Planetarium director.

Visitors to the Planetarium can sit in comfortable chairs and watch "Getting to Know Your Planetarium" while enjoying a full-dome video experience. Fridays after the show, the Planetarium offers views of the night sky through its telescopes. Visitors can look through the Planetarium's telescopes to get a view of the actual night sky. The computer-controlled telescope expands the number of visible objects.

"I'm still getting telephone calls from people asking when we're opening," added Dr. Winfrey.

Show times for the theater are every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 and 9 p.m. and at 3 and 6 p.m. every Sunday. Anyone interested in telescope viewing sessions should arrive around 45 minutes after the last theater show is scheduled to join the group. All telescope nights are subject to cancellation due to the weather without notice.

Tickets for the theater shows go on sale Monday prior to the show and are $5 for general admission, $4 for TAMIU University students, faculty and $3 for children. Admission to the telescope viewing is free.

Private shows are also available. Call the Planetarium ticket office at 326.2460 for more information.

Please visit the Planetarium's Web site at tamiu.edu/coas/planetarium for more information on show schedules and coming attractions. For information on private shows, call 326.2460 or visit the Web site for more information and to download a reservation request form.

If you have any questions concerning the operation of the TAMIU LBVSC Planetarium or about astronomical happenings in the current sky, please contact Dr. Winfrey 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