Planetarium to present free shows to public

Mariana Silva

Attendees will see stars, constellations

Credit: DKS Editors

Kent State’s planetarium will present “Introduction to the Autumn Sky,” the first of three free public shows planned for the 2009-2010 academic year at 8 p.m. Friday in the planetarium located on the first floor of Smith Hall.

The other two shows will be at 8 p.m. on both Sept. 26 and Oct. 2.

“We will be looking at the night sky just as it appears,” planetarium director Brett Ellman said.

Those attending the presentations will be looking not only to Ohio’s sky, but also to stars and constellations, Ellman said.

The shows, about an hour long, are free and open to the public but are not appropriate for children younger than six.

“It is one of few things that makes children and seniors have the same reaction,” Ellman said.

Hands-on demonstrations will be available before and after the show. Those attending will be able to handle magnets, meteorites from the moon and Mars and get to play with the bell in a vacuum.

It’s recommended that those attending the shows arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of the sessions. Parking will be free at Smith Hall on presentation nights.

Those interested in attending any of the shows should contact the department of physics at 330-672-2246 to make reservations.

-Mariana Silva