Monday, 16 March 2015 15:30

Stars Come Out Sunday Evenings at SUNY Oswego Planetarium

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Star power -- SUNY Oswego will offer free shows -- a new one each month -- at 7 p.m. each Sunday through the end of June in the Shineman Center's state-of-the-art planetarium. Among the universe full of celestial objects, presentations this spring will focus on stars visible in the spring and summer sky, exoplanets orbiting other suns and the "lone dog" of a former ninth planet, Pluto. Star power -- SUNY Oswego will offer free shows -- a new one each month -- at 7 p.m. each Sunday through the end of June in the Shineman Center's state-of-the-art planetarium. Among the universe full of celestial objects, presentations this spring will focus on stars visible in the spring and summer sky, exoplanets orbiting other suns and the "lone dog" of a former ninth planet, Pluto. Submitted photo

SUNY Oswego's free planetarium shows continue at 7 p.m. each Sunday in the Shineman Center through the end of June, featuring a new presentation each month this spring, according to planetarium director Dr. Scott Roby of the physics department.

Shows in March highlight "The Stars of Spring," a presentation dedicated to the bright stars and constellations in Earth's spring sky, such as the Big and Little Bears, Draco the Dragon and Leo the Lion. Viewers also will witness the strange disappearance of the bright star Regulus a year ago, Roby said.

In April, "Exoplanets!" will explore celestial bodies that orbit stars other than this solar system's sun. First discovered 20 years ago, the exoplanets now total more than 1,800. Roby, who coordinates the astronomy program at SUNY Oswego, will show the different types of planetary systems and give updates on the Kepler mission and the search for twins of Earth.

The May presentations, "Pluto: Lone Dog No More," will explore Pluto's controversial categorization history and preview the first-ever spacecraft fly-by of the former "ninth planet," which has turned out to have more neighbors than astronomers ever imagined, Roby said.

The June planetarium shows will highlight "The Stars of Summer." Roby will point out the bright stars and constellations visible during summer evenings and give a lighthearted version of some of the mythological tales behind the constellations, including Cygnus the Swan and Delphinus the Dolphin. Star maps will be provided.

Visitors should arrive early, as the planetarium has 36 seats. Parking is available for Sunday evening planetarium shows in Lot C-8, a commuter lot fronting Washington Boulevard and adjacent to the Shineman Center.

Groups of 10 or more may schedule private shows, but should contact Roby at 315-343-4294 or Tim Leclerc at 315-312-2805 weeks in advance.

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