- Blown Away - the wild world of weather
We can't escape from the weather. Usually our weather is mild, but sometimes it can turn violent with wind, rain, snow, and storms-tornados, thunderstorms, and hurricanes. In BLOWN AWAY, you'll discover the awesome fury of the Earth's weather and the gentle flow of the seasons-all from the safety and comfort of your seat in the Planetarium. You'll also explore how the Sun affects our weather and you'll see what causes our seasons.
Much of our weather is connected with water, so BLOWN AWAY continues a theme of water from last fall's show, Oceans in Space.
BLOWN AWAY is a production of the Dassault Systemes Planetarium at the Detroit Science Center and has been arranged and enhanced for presentation here. A portion of its showing here is supported by the College of Arts and Sciences and by the BGSU Foundation.
The program is preceded by a short star talk showing the current evening sky. Friday and Sunday programs are followed by stargazing and telescope viewing from the rooftop observatory, weather permitting.
Show times are Tuesday and Friday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. from January 18 through February 29 and March 11 through April 5. Saturday shows are scheduled on Feb. 16, Mar. 15, and Apr. 5 at 2 p.m.
The Planetarium depends on the generosity of its visitors for continued operation and growth. We suggest $1 as a fair donation toward our operating costs. We appreciate your support.
To teachers and group leaders: School classes can visit the Planetarium on field trips. In addition, any group can reserve the Planetarium for a program. Please contact the Planetarium to make arrangements or to obtain a printed copy of our Teacher's Guide, which describes all the available programs.
What's Next at the Planetarium?
Fun in February
- Eclipse of the Moon
No, we didn't schedule an eclipse. But we do know it's coming, and it's the last total eclipse of the Moon visible in BG until 2010. We'll have the BGSU Observatory open so you can see this event and other sights of the winter skies through our telescopes. Will be held only if the sky is clear, so check the sky before you venture out.
Wednesday, February 20, from 9 p.m. until midnight
- Leap Year Special: It's About Time
To celebrate another Leap Year: the tale of ancient skywatchers' greatest effect on our everyday lives: how we keep track of time. The roots of our clocks and calendars lie in astronomy and in history-the many cycles of the sky and how early cultures built their timekeeping around them. Learn all about it in this classic BGSU original program first shown in 1985.
Thursday, February 28 at 8 p.m.
- Poetry reading: Ataxia: Requiem for Poetic Voice
The Planetarium continues its commitment to the performing arts as Cheryl Lachowski returns for a reading of new poems set to music and visuals. Cheryl first read her original work in the unique performance space of the Planetarium four years ago and we welcome her back.
Monday, April 7 at 8 p.m.
- Music program: Inspirations: Music, Art, & Nature
From the days of cave paintings to today, humans have been inspired by nature to create works of art. Music has also drawn inspiration from nature, from the songs of birds to the majestic grandeur of the heavens. Music and the visual arts have shared a special relationship-composers have found inspiration from the worlds of painting and sculpture, visual artists have found inspiration from pieces of music. Jason Luthy, euphonium, and Allison Ringold, piano, will present a concert including music and images reflecting these inspirations.
Saturday, April 26 at 8 p.m.
May Days
In April and early May we will present short runs of special programs.
Shows for young skywatchers!
- Once in a Blue Moon
What if the Moon could talk? In this show, we'll join 9-year-old Jacy as she prepares to camp out for the night and suddenly hears the Moon talking! We'll hear the Moon tell how it was formed, how it got craters, and all about phases and months. We'll travel to the Moon with astronauts-both real and imaginary-and hear some wonderful stories about the Moon from around the world. For ages 7 and up.
Sunday, April 6 at 2 p.m.
- The Little Star That Could
The story of a little yellow star who wanders through space searching for planets. Along the way he (and we) meet many colorful stars and eventually find an interesting family of planets. Can you guess who the little star is? Designed for ages 5-7 and anyone else who would like to be that age again for a while.
Saturday, April 12 at 2 p.m.
- Larry Cat in Space
The playful story of an inquisitive cat who takes a trip to the Moon, told through a "cat's-eye-view" of the Moon (or is it mee-oon?), space travel, and living on another world. Designed for the young (grades K through 2) and young at heart. Adults should be accompanied by a child!
Sunday, April 13 at 2 p.m.
Shows for all skywatchers!
- Unworldly Weather
April 6, 8, 11
- Navigating with Lewis and Clark
April 13, 15, 18
- Star-Spangled Banners
April 20, 22, 25
- Worlds in your Wallet
April 27, 29, May 2