Wayne State College is inviting the public to a special weekend of planetarium shows about solar and lunar eclipses Friday through Sunday, April 5-7, and to eclipse viewing parties Monday, April 8.
All Fred G. Dale Planetarium shows are free and open to the public, but free-will donations are accepted. Everyone who attends these planetarium shows will receive a free pair of solar eclipse viewing glasses. There is no charge to attend the eclipse viewing parties.
Eclipse viewing parties will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, April 8, in Wayne State’s Willow Bowl on campus and at Kern Field, located south of Wayne Junior/Senior High School. Dr. Todd Young, professor of physics and astronomy at Wayne State, and Dr. Adam Davis, professor of physics at Wayne State, will each host a show.
Everyone is welcome to visit either of these locations to see this amazing astronomical event. Solar telescopes and eclipse glasses will be available for everyone to see the eclipse safely.
On Friday, April 5, “Eclipses and Phases of the Moon” will be held at 7 p.m., followed by “Eclipse Across America 2024” at 8 p.m.
On Saturday, April 6, “Eclipse Across America 2024” is at 1 p.m., and “Eclipses and Phases of the Moon” is at 2 p.m.
On Sunday, April 7, “Eclipses and Phases of the Moon” is at 1 p.m., followed by “Eclipse Across America 2024” at 2 p.m.
The Fred G. Dale Planetarium is located on the lowest level of Wayne State’s Carhart Science Building. Guests should use the southwest doors to enter. Once inside, go to the stairs at the south end of the building and go down to the lowest level.
Guests may also take the elevator. Carhart Science and the planetarium are handicap accessible.
Doors open 20 minutes prior to the start of a show and shows generally include a tour of the current night sky, a view of the constellations, and a full dome video.
All planetarium shows last about 45 minutes. Those wanting to book a private planetarium show should visit www.wsc.edu/planetarium and click “Contact the Planetarium” to complete the online reservation form.
For more information about the upcoming eclipse, or to view the complete schedule of planetarium and laser shows, visit www.wsc.edu/planetarium, or contact Dr. Todd Young, director of the Fred G. Dale Planetarium, at 402-375-7471 or toyoung1@wsc.edu.
