For the City-Times

Take a journey through the stars this summer at the Allen F. Blocher Planetarium at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Planetarium shows will be offered at 7:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays in June and July. The following shows are free and open to the public:

·         June 2 and 4 – “Sky Quest”
Narrated by a cast member of “Star Trek: Voyager,” the show features the journey of a girl who imagines trips to Mars as a child and eventually becomes an astronomer.

·         June 16, 18, 23 and 25 – “More Than Meets the Eye”
See objects in the sky as they appear through a telescope compared to observatory photos and spacecraft views.

·         June 30, July 2, 7 and 9 – “Bad Astronomy”
Tackle popular myths and misconceptions about the cosmos in a show hosted by “Bad Astronomer” Phil Plait.

·         July 14, 16, 21 and 23 – “Cosmic Colors”
Journey across the electromagnetic spectrum to discover the many colors of the universe.

The planetarium doors open 30 minutes before the scheduled program. Designed for a general audience, planetarium programs appeal to all age groups. Seating is first come, first served for up to 60 people. Groups of 10 or more may schedule a special showing of any planetarium program by calling 715-346-2208. There is a cost of $25 per group for these presentations.

The Arthur J. Pejsa Observatory is closed during the summer months. The planetarium will be closed July 26-August 31, with programming beginning again in the fall.

The planetarium is located on the second floor of the UWSP Science Building at the corner of Reserve Street and Fourth Avenue. Parking is available in Lot X near the building entrance, and is free in all university lots after 7 p.m. More information is at www.uwsp.edu/physastr.