Youngstown State University’s Ward Beecher Planetarium will host a two-day open house in October to mark the facility’s grand reopening.
The event occurs 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 4 and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5.
The open house will allow the community to see the renovated facility and preview upcoming shows. The planetarium closed in January 2023 following a fire.
Improvements to the planetarium include a new copper roof and dome, upgraded electrical and replacement of the Chronos star ball, a special projection device that sustained water damage during efforts to contain the blaze.
“I don’t know the entire final number, but I know it’s well over seven figures,” said Curt Spivey, planetarium engineer, on the total cost of the renovations. “The dome is a quarter of a million dollars just by itself.”
The planetarium is located at 100 Lincoln Ave. in Youngstown. The 140-seat planetarium and Ward Beecher Science Hall opened in 1967.
The planetarium’s 2024-25 season appears below. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open 30 minutes prior to shows. Admission is free.
Call 330-941-1370 for program information or visit www.wbplanetarium.org…. The planetarium also maintains social media pages on Facebook and X/Twitter.
OCTOBER
Ward Beecher Grand Reopening. 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 4. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5.
Nightlights. This popular weekend Halloween program is suitable for all ages, although younger visitors might be frightened by the loud music and darkness. Costumes are welcome. Programs occur on Friday and Saturday. 8 p.m., Oct. 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26. A matinee also occurs 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26.
Night-LITE. This annual event returns with a Halloween light-and-music spectacle presented in a non-scary program. Suitable for all ages. Costumes are welcome. 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12 and 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26.
NOVEMBER
Fall Skywatch. This live, traditional star program covers the current night sky, constellation lore and astronomical events. 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 1. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2.
Undiscovered Worlds: The Search Beyond Our Sun. Through the discovery of exoplanets – the hundreds of planets that have been found orbiting stars beyond the sun – humans have learned that the solar system is not alone in the universe. With new achievements like the Kepler Telescope and rapidly improving technology, the discovery of exoplanets puts humanity one step closer to the possibility of finding an Earth-like world. Programs occur on Friday and Saturday. 8 p.m., Nov. 8-9, Nov. 15-16, 22-23.
One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure. This family program begins on Sesame Street when Elmo’s friend Hu Hu Zhu visits from China. Big Bird, Elmo, and Hu Hu Zhu take viewers on a discovery of the sun, moon and stars as they learn about the Big Dipper and the North Star and take an imaginary trip to the moon. 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 9, 16, 23.
So You Want to Buy a Telescope? Experts from the Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society (MVAS) and the planetarium will offer help and advice to telescope owners. The public is invited to bring their new telescopes (and ones that have been gathering dust) for one-on-one time with the MVAS experts. Occurs in November and early winter. Call 330-941-3619 or visit www.wbplanetarium.org… for more information.
DECEMBER
Let It Snow! This annual family program celebrates winter with popular holiday music. Features bells and reindeer, presents and cookies and snow and nutcrackers. Shows occur at 8 p.m. on weekends. Dec. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21. A matinee also occurs 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21.
The Alien Who Stole Christmas. This special holiday program features a tour of the winter night sky with Saint Nick and Mr. Freep. 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, 14.
JANUARY
Rock the Dome Weekend. The planetarium’s popular laser light shows return with a 5.1 sound system and upgraded lighting system from Laser Fantasy International. The program features different artists each hour. Friday night includes Foo Fighters, Taylor Swift, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Rush and Pink Floyd. Saturday features Taylor Swift, The Beatles, Foo Fighters, Queen, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. Jan. 17-18.
Winter Skywatch. This live, traditional star program covers the current night sky, constellation lore and astronomical events. Programs occur Friday and Saturday. 8 p.m., Jan. 24-25.
Perfect Little Planet. Discover our solar system through a different set of eyes – a family from another star system seeking the perfect vacation spot. Fly over the surface of Pluto and dive over the ice cliffs of Miranda. Sail through the rings of Saturn. Walk on the surface of Mars. This new program features a solar-system journey for all ages. 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25.
We Are Stars. Explore the secrets of our cosmic chemistry and explosive origins. Connect life on Earth to the evolution of the universe by following the formation of hydrogen atoms to the synthesis of carbon and the molecules for life. 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31.
FEBRUARY
Perfect Little Planet. Discover our solar system through a different set of eyes – a family from another star system seeking the perfect vacation spot. Fly over the surface of Pluto and dive over the ice cliffs of Miranda. Sail through the rings of Saturn. Walk on the surface of Mars. This new program features a solar-system journey for all ages. 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1, 8, 15.
We Are Stars. Explore the secrets of our cosmic chemistry and explosive origins. Connect life on Earth to the evolution of the universe by following the formation of hydrogen atoms to the synthesis of carbon and the molecules for life. Programs occur on Friday and Saturday. 8 p.m., Feb. 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22. A matinee occurs 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22.
Explore Our Universe LIVE! Starship Ward Beecher will embark on a tour of the universe real time. 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 28.
MARCH
Explore Our Universe LIVE! Starship Ward Beecher will embark on a tour of the universe real time. 2 p.m., 8 p.m., Saturday, March 1.
Moons: Worlds of Mystery. When people consider the solar system, they often think of the sun and its planets. But what about moons? What role do they play? Delve into what moons look like and how they contribute to our knowledge of the solar system. 8 p.m., March 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29. A matinee occurs 2 p.m., Saturday, March 29.
Sky Wars: Battles of Discovery. Follow the struggles as new discoveries alter our view of Earth and its place in the universe. Voyage into the galaxy to glimpse how future discoveries might start new battles about the sky above. Programs occur on Saturdays. 2 p.m., March 8, 15, 22.
Warren M. Young Lecture Series. Astronomers will share their expertise and discuss current topics in astronomy and space flight during a special program in March. Visit www.wbplanetarium.org… or see the planetarium’s social media pages Facebook, X/Twitter for more information.
APRIL
Spring Skywatch. This live, traditional star program covers the current night sky, constellation lore and astronomical events. Programs occur Friday and Saturday. 8 p.m., April 4-5.
One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure. This family program begins on Sesame Street when Elmo’s friend Hu Hu Zhu visits from China. Big Bird, Elmo, and Hu Hu Zhu take viewers on a discovery of the sun, moon and stars as they learn about the Big Dipper and the North Star and take an imaginary trip to the moon. 2 p.m., Saturday, April 5, 12, 19.
Firefall. Throughout Earth’s violent history, comets and asteroids have shaped its surface. The ancient barrage continues today with harmless meteors and mountain-sized boulders wandering perilously close to Earth. Terrifying and majestic, these invaders from space are capable of utter destruction, yet they have delivered life-giving water and most of the organic materials necessary for life. Programs occur on Fridays and Saturdays. 8 p.m., April 11-12, 18-19.
Explore Our Universe LIVE! Starship Ward Beecher will embark on a tour of the universe real time. 8 p.m.,F riday, April 25, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday, April 26.
MAY
Visitor Appreciation Weekend. Ward Beecher Planetarium, 100 Lincoln Ave., Youngstown 44555. Vote for any show on this year’s schedule and the planetarium will run the winner one more time. May 2-3.
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