IRSC Hallstrom Planetarium Announces its “Starlight Series” Season

September 30, 2021 Robert Lane

The Hallstrom Planetarium at Indian River State College (IRSC) announces the 2021–2022 “Starlight Series” season, continues the popular “KID SPACE” and shares a unique series of STEAM talks addressing Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) and the humanities.

Hallstrom Planetarium.

Starlight Series shows are presented Fridays at 7:00 and 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 1:00 and 2:30 p.m. Here are this season’s shows:

Saturn, Jewel of the Heavens—October 22, 23 and November 19, 20
This autumn, Saturn is visible in the evening skies. Celebrate the planet as the presentation showcases its mysterious rings, fantastic ice moons and largest moon, Titan, with its lakes of liquid nitrogen.

Star of Wonder—December 3, 4, 10, 11
What was the mysterious star that guided the Magi? Could it have been a comet, a meteor or a supernova? How might an astronomer explain it? Find out as we take the Planetarium back in time more than 2,000 years to recreate the skies over Judea. This popular presentation has been a family holiday tradition since 1993.

The Planets—January 7, 8, February 11,12 and March 4, 5
In a recorded narration, Kate Mulgrew (Captain Janeway of Star Trek: Voyager) takes us on a grand tour of our solar system. Explore the surface of Mars, the perils of the asteroid belt, the cold rings of stormy gas planets and the features of other solar systems.

Astronomy Day (and Night!)—Saturday, February 5, 3–9p.m.
Join IRSC and the Treasure Coast Astronomical Society for a FREE open house with telescopes, guest speakers, handouts, planetarium mini-shows and guided views of the sky—weather permitting.

Daughter of the Stars—April 8, 9, May 13, 14 and June 10, 11
Enjoy a retelling of beautiful native American Indian stories about the sky and its stars. History and folklore combine for a unique and entertaining storytelling event that seeks to explain the natural world from the appearance of the bright star Arcturus to the nature of the Milky Way to the origins of the Earth, Moon and Sun.

Afternoon STEAM Talks at the Hallstrom Planetarium are 45-minute presentations and are free and open to the public. The following topics comprise the upcoming Afternoon STEAM Talks:

The Secret Life of Fish—November 6, 6 p.m.
Learn about coral reefs and reef fish behavior as Dr. William Tyler, IRSC Professor of Biological Sciences, shares his vast experiences garnered from years of studying Florida’s marine environment. Hear his marine biologist’s perspective on Finding Nemo—what’s right, and what’s not, about this popular movie.

From the Big Bang to Puppy Dogs, the Story of Chemistry—January 22, 6 p.m.
Be amazed as Dr. Paul Horton, IRSC Professor of Chemistry, dynamically demonstrates the interaction of elements and compounds in a presentation sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!

Astronomy Day NASA Update—February 5, 4 p.m.
Hear Russell Romanella, former Director of Safety and Mission Assurance for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida, discuss NASA, the space program, and the exploration of the Universe. The Treasure Coast Astronomical Society will provide exhibits with telescopes, activities for the family and guided views of the sky after the presentation—weather permitting,

The popular ‘Kid Space’ series, for children ages four to 12 at 11:00 a.m., is offered on select Saturdays. All adults must be accompanied by at least one child. Shows are planned for October 23, November 20, December 4 & 11, January 8, February 12, March 5, April 9, May 14, June 11.

“Starlight Series” planetarium shows, “Saturday Afternoon STEAM Talks,” and “KID SPACE” are presented in the IRSC Hallstrom Planetarium. The planetarium features a 360-degree immersive digital OmniStar projection system and a state-of-the-art Spitz automated planetarium projector used to recreate the sky, sun, moon and planets among the stars on the 40-foot, domed ceiling during planetarium shows. Visit www.irsc.edu for a complete schedule.

Planetarium shows are recommended for adults and children over the age of 10. The air temperature is maintained at 72 degrees. Guests may wish to bring a sweater or light jacket.

Most planetarium shows are $5 and tickets can be purchased online or at the box office located in the McAlpin Fine Arts Center lobby on the IRSC Massey Campus at 3209 Virginia Avenue in Fort Pierce, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., or by phone. Call the McAlpin Fine Arts Center Box Office at 1-800-220-9915 to reserve seats.