Public planetarium shows Sept. 25, Oct. 2

Sept. 18, 2026-The Bushman Planetarium at Missouri Western State University will present public showings at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25 and Friday, Oct. 2. The planetarium is located inside Agenstein Hall, room 147.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children age 13 and under, students, employees, military and senior citizens age 60 and up. Planetarium tickets are not sold at the door, so they must be purchased in advance either online at missouriwestern.edu/planetarium or in person at Agenstein Hall, room 140 during regular business hours.

Friday, Sept. 25 - "Extreme Planets" & "Sunstruck"

"Extreme Planets"

For centuries, humanity has wondered whether we are alone in the Universe. Now, we are finally one step closer to knowing the answer. With the discovery in 1995 of the first planet orbiting another star, we now know that planets are not unique to our own Solar System. This production explores what makes a planet "Earth-like" in the first place, and takes an immersive full dome tour of several worlds that just might fit the conditions we're looking for.

"Sunstruck"

Travel back to the beginning of time and experience the birth of the sun. Discover how it came to support life, how it threatens life as we know it, and how its energy will one day fade away.

Friday, Oct. 2 - "Hubble Vision 2" & "Journey to the Stars"

"Hubble Vision 2"

Since its launch in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope has provided incredible images in unprecedented detail to astronomers and made an astonishing array of discoveries. "Hubble Vision 2" takes the best and most exciting Hubble images and weaves them into an engaging story of cosmic exploration.

"Journey to the Stars"

Witness the life and death of stars, including the sun. Extraordinary images captured by telescopes on Earth and in space, combined with stunning never-before-seen images of physics-based simulations, will launch through time and space for an incredible trek through the night sky. Tour stellar formations, explore new celestial mysteries and discover the fascinating story that connects Earth to the stars. Those who come along for the journey may never see the sky in the same way again. Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg.

The planetarium features a Digistar 4 projection system and a dome that is tilted slightly, rather than directly overhead, making viewing easier. The Dolby 5.1 surround sound system enhances your viewing experience. For more information, call (816) 271-4288.

Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. MoWest is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.