IRSC Hallstrom Planetarium Season Launches 'A Year Full of Stars,' Introduces New Saturday Afternoon STEAM Talks

August 27, 2018 Robert Lane

The Hallstrom Planetarium at Indian River State College (IRSC) is ready to launch “A Year Full of Stars” with a season of planetarium shows in the “Starlight Series,” continue the popular “KID SPACE” series, and introduce a unique new series of talks addressing Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) and the humanities.

The community is invited to learn more about all the upcoming shows and events offered by the Hallstrom Planetarium at the inaugural “Saturday afternoon STEAM Talk, A Year Full of Stars” taking place on Saturday, September 15, at 4 p.m. at the Hallstrom Planetarium in the Brinkley Science Center on the IRSC Main Campus in Fort Pierce. IRSC Planetarium Director Jon Bell will preview some of the awesome, upcoming sky events and the new season of planetarium shows. Telescope viewing provided by the Treasure Coast Astronomical Society will be available to guests following the talk—weather permitting.

The upcoming eight-show 2018–2019 “Starlight Series” is sure to delight both experienced and novice stargazers with shows such as “Saturn: Jewel of the Heavens” (Oct. 19, 20, 26 & 27 and Nov. 9 & 10), “Star of Wonder” (Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 7 & 8)—a Hallstrom holiday tradition since 1993, “Eclipse!” (Jan. 11, 12, 18 & 19), and more.

The new “Saturday afternoon STEAM Talks” introduce a broad range of topics from the moon and stars—and even the connections between mythology and some of today’s most celebrated “superheroes.” Free and open to the public, these 45-minute presentations will take place at 4 p.m. at the planetarium on select Saturdays.

Discussing the new series of STEAM talks Hallstrom Planetarium Director Jon Bell shares, “The talks will be a way to facilitate discussions of the mythical roots of some of today’s superhero stories, the actual facts behind the development of artificial intelligence, some of our earliest attempts to provide painless surgery to those in need, and discuss the actual possibility of building a colony on the moon and people traveling outward toward the stars.” Talking about the September 15 “A Year Full of Stars” STEAM talk Bell adds, “We will share some great conversations about science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics, and learn about some stars and constellations and view the heavens from the comfort of an armchair.”

Starting October 20 and continuing through the season, the planetarium’s popular “KID SPACE,” public sky shows will introduce young astronomers to the skies. Held on select Saturdays at 11 a.m., children can take a scientific voyage of discovery where they learn about stars and constellations, Earth, the moon and other planets, and how outer space is being explored. All adults must be accompanied by at least one child ages 4 to 12.

“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.

Most planetarium shows are just $5 and tickets can be purchased online at www.irsc.edu or at the box office located in the McAlpin Fine Arts Center lobby on the IRSC Main 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.

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.