Planetarium
Transcription
Planetarium
The Herbert F. Trackman Planetarium 2014-2015 Program Show and Group Information Beginning with the 2014-2015 season, all public planetarium shows will begin at 7 p.m. These shows are suitable for all ages and last approximately one hour which includes a trip through the current evening sky using the new OmniStar projector and a question-and-answer period. All planetarium shows are free and do not require a ticket. All public shows are first come, first seated. Grade school and high school groups are encouraged to schedule special programs that may be presented during the school day. These free programs are tailored to the grade level of students attending the program. Social and civic organizations also are invited to schedule programs for their members. These programs are available during the day on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and Tuesday or Thursday evenings. Reservations are required for all special programs. To make your reservations, see the contact section of this brochure or visit the website at www.jjc.edu. Astronomy Courses Contact Information For those interested in learning more about the universe, JJC offers two astronomy courses. Both courses are designed for non-science majors, and no prior science courses are required in order to enroll. For more information about the planetarium and featured shows, contact: Descriptive Astronomy (ASTR 101) – This course covers the concepts, principles and methods that lead to our present understanding of the solar system, stars, galaxies and the universe. It includes a historical perspective of how understanding of the universe has progressed over the years. This course is offered during the fall, spring and summer semesters. Life in the Universe (PHSCI 125) – This course covers the possibility of finding life beyond Earth, how we search for life outside of earth, and the feasibility of humans traveling in and colonizing space. Associate Professor Noella D’Cruz teachers this course in the fall and spring semesters. Art Maurer, Trackman Planetarium Director [email protected] • (815) 280-2601 www.jjc.edu/info/planetarium Arrangements for special programs and field trips may be made by contacting the field trip coordinator in the Office of Resource Development at (815) 280-2917 or by email at [email protected]. For more information about classes, contact the Department of Natural Sciences and Physical Education at (815) 280-6682 (NOVA). “Our Changing Universe” The JJC Foundation is launching a campaign, “Our Changing Universe”, to raise funds for the operations of the new OmniStar digital projection system for the Trackman Planetarium. The college is asking the community for financial support for the new system. If you are interested in more information on this campaign, visit www.jjc.edu and search Trackman Planetarium. Information subject to change. 0814-DP About the Planetarium Show Descriptions At JJC’s Herbert F. Trackman Planetarium, visitors can discover the wonders of space up close and personal thanks to the generosity of alumnus, Herbert F. Trackman. The planetarium was built in 1972 and in January, 2014, the JJC Foundation generously provided the funds necessary to install the new OmniStar Digital Projection System. This new projection system offers an up-to-date and modernized way of learning about the stars, planets, and the universe. The new digital projection system will display an accurate arrangement of the stars and planets on the planetarium’s dome and will give you the ability to see professionally produced shows on a variety of subjects. All shows are continuously updated to reflect the latest information from NASA. Nearly 10,000 people visit each year to enjoy the educational shows that are offered free of charge. The planetarium is under the leadership of Art Maurer, Trackman Planetarium Director. Asteroids and Comets: Learn about the giant rocks that share the solar system with the planets. This show includes a history of terrestrial hits that have occurred since the beginning of the solar system plus the possibilities of collisions in the future. 2014-2015 Schedule PLEASE NOTE: All public shows have a new start time and will start at 7 p.m. Summer shows also have been added. Shows marked with an asterisk are designed for the very young astronomer. Tuesday Shows 9/16/14 Seasonal Skies 9/30/14 Larry Cat in Space* 10/14/14 How to Watch the Partial Solar Eclipse 10/28/14 The Solar System 11/11/14 Veteran’s Day (No Show) 11/25/14 The X-Planets - Discovering Other Earths 12/9/14 Story of the Christmas Star 1/6/15 Seasonal Skies 1/20/15 The Solar System 2/3/15 Asteroids and Comets 2/17/15 The Search for Intelligent Life in Space 3/3/15 Larry Cat in Space* 3/17/15 Seasonal Skies 3/31/15Mars 4/14/15 Telescope Basics 4/28/15 Asteroids and Comets 5/12/15 The X-Planets - Discovering Other Earths 5/26/15 Seasonal Skies 6/9/15 The Solar System 7/7/15 Seasonal Skies 8/4/15 Asteroids and Comets Thursday Shows 9/25/14 Seasonal Skies 10/9/14 How to Watch the Partial Solar Eclipse 10/23/14 The Solar System 11/06/14 Back to the Moon for Good 11/20/14 Telescope Basics 12/04/14 The X-Planets - Discovering other Earths 12/18/14 Story of the Christmas Star 1/15/15 Seasonal Skies 1/29/15 The X-Planets - Discovering Other Earths 2/12/15 Humans and Robots in Space 2/26/15 Solar System 3/12/15 We Go to the Moon* 3/26/15 Seasonal Skies 4/9/15Mars 4/23/15 Larry Cat in Space* 5/7/15 Black Holes 5/21/15 Search for Intelligent Life in Space 6/4/15 Seasonal Skies 6/18/15 The Solar System 7/9/15 The X-Planets - Discovering Other Earths 8/6/15 The Solar System Sunday Holiday Show 12/14/14 2 p.m. Story of the Christmas Star Back to the Moon for Good: This show discusses commercial ventures to return to the moon and establish permanent bases on the lunar surface. Black Holes: What are black holes? Where do they come from? What happens when something falls into a black hole? Black holes are one of the most interesting things we can’t see in space. This program tells you what and where they are. Story of the Christmas Star: This show covers the history of the winter solstice celebration and why Christmas is celebrated at this time of the year. It also addresses what the Christmas star might have been, what year the birth described in the Bible might have happened, and the story of the three kings. Biblical, historical, and astronomical data were used to prepare this show. Telescope Basics: This show describes how telescopes work, the different types of telescopes, and how to choose a telescope to fit your budget. If you are planning to purchase a telescope and cannot attend this show, contact the planetarium for information on how to choose a telescope. ([email protected]) The Search for Intelligent Life in Space: Are humans the only intelligent life in the universe? Probably not. This program discusses how NASA is searching for habitable planets and NASA’s search for intelligent life on other planets. How to Watch the Partial Solar Eclipse: There will be a partial eclipse of the sun late in the afternoon of Oct. 23. This program will describe the eclipse and demonstrates how you can safely view it. The Solar System: This show is about the sun, planets, plutoids, dwarf planets and other objects that orbit our sun. It is continually updated to remain current. The show concludes with a look at the possibility of aliens. Humans and Robots in Space: This informative program discusses the use of robots versus humans in space exploration. The X-Planets - Discovering Other Earths: The search is on for other planets that are in the habitable zone - the perfect distance from their star where water and life could exist. Larry Cat in Space*: The all-time children’s favorite, the story of a cat who sneaks aboard a rocket for a trip to the moon, is back. We go to the Moon*: This show, for children four to seven years old, depicts what it would be like to go to the moon, also giving them a chance to discuss what they would need for their lunar voyage. Mars: Mars is a future destination for manned space trips. Learn about the red planet and what will be needed to survive a trip to this terrestrial planet. Seasonal Skies: What is in the skies this month? What constellations and planets are easy to find? Are there any comets or meteor showers? Take a trip through the current night sky during this seasonal show. PLEASE NOTE: All public shows have a new start time and will start at 7 p.m. Summer shows also have been added. Shows marked with an asterisk are designed for the very young astronomer. Visitors should arrive early as seating is limited and once the chamber is dark it is difficult to move around. Doors are closed once the chamber is filled.