ASU Planetarium Adds New Shows, Expands Fall Schedule

Starting Thursday, Oct. 7, audiences will have the option of viewing three different Planetarium programs, each of which lasts about 45 minutes. The shows are open to the public with admission prices of $3 for adults and $2 for children, non-ASU students and senior citizens. ASU students, faculty and staff are admitted free. Each show will begin promptly as scheduled, and late arrivals will not be admitted for their own safety.

“Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity” will be shown at 7 p.m. on Thursdays, Oct. 7-Nov. 18, at 3 p.m. on Saturdays, Oct. 9-Nov. 20, and at 8 p.m. on Fridays, Nov. 5-19. Narrated by Academy Award-nominee Liam Neeson, this cutting-edge production features high-resolution visualizations of cosmic phenomena, including the formation of the early universe, star birth and death, the collision of giant galaxies and a simulation flight to a super-massive black hole lurking at the center of our own Milky Way galaxy.

“Tales of the Maya Skies” will be shown at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Oct. 7-Nov. 18, and at 7 p.m. on Fridays, Nov. 5-19. Narrated by Latin Grammy Award-winner Lila Downs, this is a digital full-dome show that immerses the audience in Mayan astronomy, art and culture through custom scores and visuals. Produced by Chabot Space and Science Center, it inspires and educates through its description of the Maya’s accurate astronomical achievements and how astronomy connected them to the universe.

“The Friendly Stars” will be shown at 2 p.m. on Saturdays, Oct. 9-Nov. 20. This fun-filled program is designed for younger audiences. It captures the attention of young viewers for an introductory look at the sun, planets and stars. Concepts and words are kept simple so younger viewers will understand them.

For more information, contact Dr. Mark Sonntag at the ASU Planetarium at 942-2136.