For Stevens Point News

STEVENS POINT — Learn more about the stars and planets that fill the clear, summer night skies through programs at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s Allen F. Blocher Planetarium.

Hour-long programs will be offered at 7:30 p.m. on select Mondays and Wednesdays in the Science Building, 2001 Fourth Ave., Stevens Point. The public may attend free of charge.

Shows include:

• Bad Astronomy – Monday, May 28, and Wednesday, May 30
  Discover the myths and realities of astronomy in a show hosted by Phil Plait.
• Chasing the Ghost Particle – Monday, June 4, and Wednesday, June 6
  Learn how tiny and elusive particles called neutrinos hold secrets about exploding stars and black holes.
• Endless Horizon – Monday, June 11, and Wednesday, June 13
  Patrick Stewart of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” narrates the history of the exploration of planets and space, featuring early explorers, astronomers and inventors.
• Hubble Vision – Monday, June 18, and Wednesday, June 20
  View the universe through the unblinking eye of the Hubble Space Telescope and the images it has brought to light since its launch in 1990.
• Sky Quest – Monday, June 25, and Wednesday, June 27
  Narrated by Roxann Dawson from “Star Trek: Voyager,” the show explores the night sky and how to find constellations.
• The Stargazer – Monday, July 2
  Narrated by Nichelle Nichols from “Star Trek” and noted astronomer James Kaler, the show looks at the nature of stars and stellar life cycles.
• Galaxies – Monday, July 9, and Wednesday, July 11
  This show takes audiences on a journey through the Milky Way and the galaxies beyond.
• Mars Quest – Monday, July 16, and Wednesday, July 18
  Patrick Stewart of  “Star Trek: The Next Generation” presents how the view and perception of Mars changed over the history of humankind and gives us hints on how future colonization of the red plant may happen.

The planetarium, www.uwsp.edu/physastr/plan_obs, is located on the second floor of the Science Building. 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 55 people. Parking is available in Lot D behind the Science Building and is free in all university lots after 7 p.m.

Groups of 10 or more may schedule a special showing of any planetarium program until Saturday, July 21, by calling 715-346-2139 between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. There is a cost of $25 per group for these special presentations.

The Arthur J. Pejsa Observatory is closed during the summer.