UW-Stevens Point’s to offer planetarium and laser light shows this March

Explore the expanse of space while enjoying pop music and laser shows this March at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Allen F. Blocher Planetarium.

Planetarium shows will be offered at 2 p.m. on Sundays in March. All regular public shows are around one hour long and include a 25-min presentation focusing on the current night sky of Central Wisconsin (bright stars, constellations, planets, etc.) All events are free and open to the public, but donations are appreciated and help continue these programs. Laser light shows will be offered at 7, 8, 9 and 10 p.m. on March 25-29. Tickets will be available at the door starting at 6:30 p.m. and will be valid for that day only. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for students and $6 for UWSP students with a student ID:

• March 1 - 2 p.m. "Two Small Pieces of Glass - The Amazing Telescope" - Hear about the history of the telescope from Galileo's modifications to a child's spyglass.
• March 8 - 2 p.m. "From Earth to the Universe" - Uncover the journey of celestial discovery, from the theories of the ancient Greek astronomers to today's grandest telescopes.
• March 29 - 2 p.m. "The Most Extreme Things in the Universe that Are Not Black Holes" & "The Largest Star in the Universe" - Enjoy two short shows about a journey through the universe to compare black holes of all sizes and quasars, powerful blazing beacons powered by supermassive black holes devouring matter at the centers of galaxies.

Laser light shows include:

• March 25 - "Laser Zeppelin"
• March 26 - "Laser Vinyl: Classic Rock with Kiss, Queen, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Van Halen, Pink Floyd and more"
• March 27 - "Laser Taylor Swift"
• March 28 - "Laser Queen"
• March 29 - 7 and 8 p.m., "Laser IPop: Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, and more"
• March 29 - 9 and 10 p.m., "Laser Freedom" - Celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

A Junior Scientist planetarium program, "Music, a Dream of Sound" will be offered 3:30-4:10 p.m., Sunday, March. 8, with a book reading season starting at 3 p.m. This program is in collaboration with the Olson UW-Stevens Point Museum of Natural History.

Planetarium seating is first come, first served for up to 55 people. Groups of eight or more may schedule a special showing of any planetarium program by calling 715-346-2120 or completing an online request form. There is a cost for these requests.

The planetarium is located on the second floor of the UW-Stevens Point Science Building, 2001 Fourth Ave., Stevens Point. Parking is available in Lot D behind the building and is free in all university lots after 7 p.m. and on weekends.

Stargazing sessions are available Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 8:30-10 p.m., weather dependent, on Colman field, located on the corner of Maria St. and Reserve St. Viewings will be held only if the skies are clear and the temperature is above 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Learn more and find stargazing weather updates at uwsp.edu/smcpa/blocher-planetarium.