LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium at the University of Louisville kicks off its “Summer Under the Stars” programs June 12 with a celebration of astronomy that will feature two shows, a telescope workshop, activities for children and a drawing for a new telescope.
The “Dawne Gee Star Tour,” a narrated exploration of the night sky in Louisville will be unveiled during the event.
The Astronomy Day celebration begins at 7:30 p.m. with children activities and a telescope workshop. Experts will be on hand to help star gazers learn how to buy, use and adjust a telescope. Several types of telescopes will be discussed and telescope owners are encouraged to bring their own telescope to the event. Children’s activities include building a constellation, “comet making” and an opportunity to touch a meteorite.
The “Dawne Gee Star Tour” starts at 9 p.m. followed by a laser light show at 10 p.m. The cost for all shows and events is $5 per person and free for planetarium members.
Other “Summer Under the Stars” programs include:
- “Galileo the Astronomer,” a free, public lecture on June 18 by Edward “Rocky” Kolb, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics and founding head of the NASA/Fermilab Theoretical Astrophysics Group. Kolb’s 7:30 p.m. talk will be followed by an 8:30 p.m. visual tour of the universe and outdoor star gazing at 9 p.m. (weather permitting).
- Skies Over Louisville, a tour of the night sky on July 10 and Aug. 14 at 8 p.m. This program introduces stargazers to the constellations and related mythology. Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for children under 12 and free for planetarium members.
- Laser light and special feature shows are shown at the planetarium on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer. Most shows cost $7 for adults, $5 for children under 12 and free for planetarium members.
To learn more or see a schedule of all planetarium programs call 502-852-6665 or visit www.louisville.edu/planetarium.