 |
 |
Planetarium
All Planetarium shows start on time, so please allow for an early arrival to ensure that you are allowed into the presentation. Doors cannot be opened to allow for late arrivals, due to safety and darkness concerns.
| Hours |
Saturday & Sunday shows
1:00 pm & 2:00 pm
|
| Cost |
General Public - $4
Seniors - $3
Members & children under 3 - FREE |
Now Showing
 “40 Years from the Moon”
May 23 through August 30
Saturdays & Sundays at 2 pm
Recommended for ages 8+
The Moon has had a powerful influence on our planet Earth and its inhabitants. Its gravitational pull on Earth causes the tides. The phases of the moon have given us a way to measure time by dividing our days into weeks and months. Our ancestors even thought of the Moon as a goddess or a god whose influence on our lives could be for good or ill. When Galileo first looked at the moon through a telescope, he discovered that its surface is covered with craters. Later astronomers have explored the moon’s distant surface through more and more powerful telescopes. With the advent of the space age, our goals changed from simply observing the moon to going there. On July 16, 1969 — only 40 years ago — in one of the greatest adventures in history, humankind first set foot upon the moon. Since that time, only 12 people have ever walked on the moon and we have not been back since 1972. Now NASA is planning to return people to the moon and eventually establish a base there where people will live and work...and finally travel from there outward to Mars and beyond.
“Up in the Sky”
Presented by Sue Peterson, Robbie Carter, or Tamela Maciel
Saturdays and Sundays at 1 pm
This show is designed for children of all ages. We introduce you to the night sky and show you how to find the planets, major stars and constellations that are visible in tonight’s sky. We will tell stories and myths from various cultures about the constellations, and also introduce you to some truly amazing stars. This is a live show, so you'll be able to ask questions during the show. The show lasts 30 to 40 minutes. Recommended for all ages (8 and under accompanied by an adult).
Sue Peterson is the Planetarium Director at the Science Factory. Robbie Carter and Tamela Maciel are Physics students at UO and Science Factory volunteers.
Your Guide to Spectacular Celestial Viewing this Summer
Contributed by Planetarium Director Sue Peterson
June 20
Summer Solstice
The Summer Solstice occurs in the northern hemisphere at 10:45 p.m. The Sun is at its highest point in the sky and it will be the longest day of the year. This is also the first day of summer.
July 7
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
The eclipse will be visible throughout most of the Americas, although most probably won’t notice a thing since a penumbral eclipse is caused when the moon passes through the lightest part of the Earth’s shadow, so the moon will be only slightly dimmer than normal.
July 28, 29
Southern Delta Aquarids
Meteor Shower
The Delta Aquarids is a moderately heavy shower (15 - 20 meteors/hour at their peak.) The shower will peak this year on July 28 & 29, but meteors can usually be seen from July 18 - August 18. The near first quarter moon will set early, providing an excellent viewing experience after midnight. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Aquarius. Best viewing is usually to the east after midnight.
August 10 to September 4
Saturn Without Rings
The rings of the planet Saturn will be tilted edge-on to the Earth, making them impossible to see. Viewing Saturn with a telescope will reveal the planet without its famous rings. This rare phenomenon only occurs every 14 to 15 years.
August 12
Perseids Meteor Shower
The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at their peak. This year’s peak occurs on August 12, but you may be able to see some meteors any time from July 23 - August 22. The morning hours will be the best time to view. These typically fast and bright meteors radiate from a point in the constellation Perseus, and, like all meteors in annual showers, they cover a large part of the sky. Although not a favorable year due to interference from the moon, these meteors are often bright and frequently leave persistent trains.
August 14
Jupiter at Opposition
The giant planet will be at its closest approach to Earth. This is the best time to view and photograph Jupiter and its moons.
September 2, 3
Jupiter Without Moons
The planet Jupiter can usually be seen with all or some of its four largest moons in binoculars and small telescopes. It is very rare for it to be seen otherwise. But late on this night in most of the Western Hemisphere, the planet will be visible with no moons for nearly two hours.
|
