Ward Beecher Planetarium to open season Sept. 16-17 – Youngstown State University’s Ward Beecher Planetarium will open its 2023-23 season with a live tour of the Universe and previews of its upcoming season. It occurs 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17, and 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17.
The Planetarium is located at 100 Lincoln Ave. on the campus of Youngstown State University. Programs are free and open to the public. For program schedules and other information, visit www.wbplanetarium.org… or call 330-941-1370.
Programs this fall
Mayan Archaeoastronomy: Observers of the Universe. This program intertwines science and mythology, transporting the viewer on a poetic journey describing how the Mayans viewed and understood the Universe. Includes a tour of six Mayan temples: San Gervasio, Chichen Itzá, Uxmal, Edzná, Palenque and Bonampak. The explores the orientation of the temples in relation to the movements of the sun, moon and Venus. 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 23 and 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 24.
Earth, Moon and Sun. This fast-paced, fun show explores lunar phases, eclipses and other puzzles. For children and families. 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 24 and 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1.
Skywatch. The night sky changes with the seasons and so does the Planetarium’s “Skywatch” program. This live traditional star talk covers the night sky, constellation lore and current astronomical events. 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 30 and 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct.1.
Wizarding Weekend. This program celebrates Harry Potter and the J.K. Rowling universe. Learn about the night sky and how it relates to the wizarding world. Test your knowledge for a chance to earn house points. Seating is first-come, first-seated. 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 7; 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 8.
Nightlights. This annual Halloween spectacular has been going strong since 1974. For all ages, although younger visitors might be scared by loud music and the dark. Visitors are invited to arrive in costume. 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 14; 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15; 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 21; 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 22; 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 28; 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29.
Night-LITE. This popular light-and-music extravaganza is presented in a fun, non-scary style. For all ages. Participants are encouraged to come in costume. For children and families. 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15; 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 22; 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29.
A Trip to the City: A Visit to the Virgo Galaxy Cluster. The Virgo Cluster is the nearest galaxy cluster to Earth, making it one of the most useful laboratories astronomers have in understanding how galaxies form and evolve. Within such dense galactic environments, galaxies interact frequently, and the debris from these events allows scientists to trace the history of galaxy clusters. This program gives a brief tour of the Virgo cluster, which includes results from a new and ongoing deep, wide-field imaging study (the Next Generation Virgo Cluster Survey). Host Dr. Patrick Durrell will describe searches for stars dwarf galaxies, and globular clusters that live in the spaces between the larger galaxies in the cluster. Part of the Warren C. Young Lecture Series. 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 4.
One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure. Big Bird’s Adventure begins on Sesame Street when Elmo’s friend Hu Hu Zhu visits from China. The program takes young viewers on an exciting discovery of the sun, moon and stars. Learn about the Big Dipper and the North Star and take an imaginary trip to the moon. For children and families. 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5 and 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 12.
Big Astronomy: People, Places & Discoveries. Discover the impressive observatories in Chile and the exciting discoveries uncovered from these world-class telescopes. This program includes a presentation of the night sky as seen from the Southern Hemisphere. 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5; 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 11; 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 12; 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 18; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 19.
Let It Snow. A holiday music show celebrating the winter season. Artistic impressions of popular winter holiday music come to life on the dome. 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2; 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3; 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9; 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10; 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17.
The Alien Who Stole Christmas. See a tour of winter’s evening sky then join Saint Nick and Mr. Freep as they explore the solar system’s planets. For children and families. 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3; 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10.
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