By: Autumn Vasquez
Are you interested in learning about the stars and constellations that are visible in Toledo? Or traveling the galaxy with your family through a full-dome planetarium show? How about viewing the stars and/or planets through the largest active telescope east of the Mississippi? All of these and much more are available right here in Toledo!
The University of Toledos’ Ritter Planetarium and Brooks Observatory invite you and your family to join them for three special events being held throughout the rest of the year.
What To Expect:
Attendees will first learn about the constellations visible from Toledo and any planets visible to the naked eye. Typically, one “hot topic” in astronomy is discussed. There will then be an immersive, full-dome presentation on one of the following topics:
Planet Nine – Friday’s,
November 5 – November 26, 2021, at 7:30 PM
During this planetarium show, follow the planet hunter Mike Brown as he searches for a ninth planet beyond Neptune. Based on clues found in the Kuiper Belt Brown and others have found evidence for a large planet at the far edges of the Solar System. This program also discusses the current understanding of our solar system beyond Neptune.
Zula Patrol: Under The Weather
Saturday’s, November 6 – November 27, 2021 at 1:00 PM
Bring your family to explore the solar system with The Zula Patrol! Learn all about weather, both here on Earth and on other planets as well. Experience a dust storm on Mars, a hurricane on Jupiter, and the incredible heat on Venus.
Santa’s Secret Star
Fridays at 7:30 PM and Saturdays at 1:00 PM, December 3 – December 18, 2021
In this updated, full-dome version of the classic childrens’ program Santa’s Secret Star, follow along as Rudolph introduces Santa to his friends the constellations. Watch how the constellations help Santa and his crew make it back to the North Pole and learn to navigate by the stars, just like Santa!
Following this one hour long presentation will be an open-ended Q & A where you can get any astronomy questions answered by the expert host. You will then be escorted to Brooks Observatory on campus to view the stars and/or planets through the new 14 telescope. On the first Friday of every month, the large Ritter 1m (40 in) telescope, used by astronomers at UToledo, is instead used to observe.
Admission to all public programs is $8 for adults, and $6 for children, seniors, and University of Toledo community members. All children age 3 and under are free. Both cash and credit cards are accepted and all shows are first-come, first-served, reservations are not available. Doors open 30 minutes before the show, during which time you can explore the displays in the lobby.
