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Angelo State planetarium to host two public astronomy shows

Angelo State University's Planetarium will present two full-dome astronomy shows, which will be open to the public.
Credit: Angelo State University

The Angelo State University Planetarium will present two full-dome public astronomy shows during its 2019 holiday schedule, beginning Nov. 21, in the Vincent Building, 2333 Vanderventer St.

Each Thursday - Nov. 21, Dec. 5 and Dec. 12 - “Season of Light” will be shown at 7 p.m. and “Earthquake: Evidence of a Restless Planet” will run at 8 p.m.

All shows are open to the public, with admission prices of $3 for adults and $2 for children, active military and senior citizens. ASU students, faculty and staff will be admitted free.

“Season of Light” examines Celtic, pagan, Nordic, Roman, Egyptian and Hopi winter solstice rituals, along with Jewish and Christian practices, including the possible astronomical explanations for the “Star of Bethlehem.” The astronomy of the holiday season is highlighted by winter constellations, comets, meteors, novae, supernovae and an explanation of the seasons.

The program also explores some of the more light-hearted seasonal traditions, as well as legends and customs of St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle and Father Christmas.

The program is narrated by National Public Radio’s Noah Adams.

“Earthquake: Evidence of a Restless Planet” is a geological journey and seismic experience, according to a press release from ASU. During the show, audiences will fly over the San Andreas Fault before diving into the Earth’s interior, travel back in time to witness both the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and the break-up of Pangaea 200 million years ago, and visit the sites of historical earthquakes from the Mediterranean Sea to the Pacific Ocean.

Data-driven visualizations will illustrate the Earth’s story, revealing how subtle motions and sudden ruptures have shaped the planet over eons – and how geological activity influences the course of human history. The program is narrated by actor Benjamin Bratt.

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