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Planetarium Show: “Season of Light”

Thursday, December 9, 2021 7 p.m.
$3 for adults
$2 for children, active military & senior citizens
Free for ASU students, faculty & staff
Trace the history and development of many holiday traditions, including the Yule log, mistletoe and the Christmas tree.

Our holiday show examines Celtic, pagan, Nordic, Roman, Egyptian and Hopi winter solstice rituals, along with Jewish and Christian practices, including the possible astronomical explanations for the “Star of Bethlehem.”

The astronomy of the holiday season is highlighted by winter constellations, comets, meteors, novae, supernovae and an explanation of why we have seasons.

The program also explores some of the more light-hearted seasonal traditions, like gift giving, kissing under the mistletoe, decking the halls with greenery and candles, and songs about lords a-leaping and ladies dancing.

The legends and customs of St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle and Father Christmas are also examined.

The program is narrated by National Public Radio’s Noah Adams.

Location

Planetarium, Vincent Building