The physics department will host “The Autumn Sky” and “MoonDreams” this Friday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Sam Houston State University Planetarium.
The shows will allow guests to discover what is in the solar system by taking them on a tour of the autumn sky and around many moons in the solar system. Friday’s show will also close with a short lecture regarding new developments on Comet Holmes. Staff Aid to the Physics Department Michael Prokosch said if skies are clear, guests might be able to spot the comet that evening.
Prokosch said that “MoonDreams” will mix folk with fiction as it tells the tale of Perseus and Andromeda and provide information about the Earth’s moon.
According to Today@Sam, the “Mars Hoax” will also be discussed during Friday’s show.
The planetarium is located in the SHSU Farrington Building in room 102. If seating is full for the free 7 p.m. show, there will a second showing at 8 p.m.
Prokosch said the University’s planetarium is comparable to the planetarium at the Museum of Natural Science in Houston.
“The size is smaller, but has a great image and sound quality,” he said. “It’s really incredible.”
Prokosch also said that many people aren’t aware of the planetarium that is located right on campus.
“We usually only use the planetarium for labs, but since we started the program last year, we use it once a month for shows. Many don’t even know it’s there,” said Prokosch. “It’s not intended to be a secret.”
In addition to the location of the planetarium and the quality of the system, the events all take place indoors. Therefore, rain or shine, Prokosch said, the show will go on.
For more information about show times, call 936-294-3664 or email vis_mwp@shsu.edu. The planetarium’s schedule can be found at http://www.shsu.edu/~phy_www/planetsched07.html.