Planetarium Celebrates International Year of Astronomy

It was 400 years ago this year that Galileo used a telescope to study the skies, so 2009 is being celebrated worldwide as the International Year of Astronomy. In honor of the occasion, Seminole State College's Planetarium will feature special events and presentations throughout the year.

The Seminole State Planetarium offers live, interactive digital video presentations that are unlike typical planetarium shows. From traditional star displays and cultural shows that detail the importance of astronomy around the world, to feature presentations that whisk you through the depths of outer space, the planetarium has something for curious stargazers of all ages.

Located on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus, the planetarium is an educational resource for school groups and classes, from preschool to college, as well as an entertainment venue for the whole community. In 2008, more than 10,000 visitors enjoyed the Seminole State Planetarium's offerings: a 12-inch Orion SkyQuest IntelliScope, an 8-inch Celestron Ultima Schmidt Cassegrain and a 4-inch Orion SkyView Pro Refractor.

The Seminole State Planetarium is also home to the Central Florida Astronomical Society, one of the largest amateur astronomy societies in the Southeast.

Here are some events the planetarium has planned for the International Year of Astronomy:

July 24-25: Art Meets Science

This two-day event will feature two of the Seminole State Planetarium's most popular shows, "Minds in Motion" and "StarTalk LIVE!," hosted by Derek Demeter and Michael McConville.

• "Minds in Motion" (July 24): Join two of history's most famous scientists, Galileo Galilei and Sir Isaac Newton, as they journey through time to help guests discover how and why things fall down, what causes objects to move, and how light and telescopes work.
• "StarTalk LIVE!" (July 25): Join StarTalk host Reggie Pennington and his special guest, Dr. Demetrius Deuteron, as they explore astronomy myths and misconceptions, such as the moon landing hoax, life on Mars and the 2012 doomsday predictions.

August 15: Closing in on Jupiter

The Seminole State Planetarium presents "Luna," a feature on the moon, followed by a special Jupiter Planet Watch. Jupiter is at its closest approach to Earth for 2009, so the viewing should be excellent, weather permitting.

Time: 8:30-9:30 p.m. for "Luna," and 9:30-11 p.m. for Jupiter Planet Watch
Location: Seminole State Planetarium

October 17: Planet Walk Day

The community is invited to two Planet Walks on the grounds of Seminole State. Planetarium staff will guide guests along a 1.5-mile scale model of the solar system, providing insight about the planets along the way. Each walk will include a showing of "Earth's Neighborhood" inside the planetarium.

Time: 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Location: Seminole State Planetarium

October: Cultural Astronomy

Throughout October, the Seminole State Planetarium will present cultural astronomy shows exploring astronomy around the world. Shows will include "The Fire of Creation: The Maya" and "The Kingdoms of the Stars: China and Japan."

Time: Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24, at 8:30 p.m.
Location: Seminole State Planetarium

About the Seminole State Planetarium

Live public shows are presented at the Seminole State Planetarium every Friday and Saturday beginning at 8:30 p.m. The planetarium does not take reservations.

Prices are:

• Adults: $6
• Seniors: $4
• Students K-12: $4
• Preschoolers: Free

The planetarium is free for Seminole State students, faculty and staff with a valid Seminole State ID.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the Seminole State Planetarium home page, or or call 407.708.2360.

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