All planetarium shows begin at 7:30pm.
Admission opens at 7:00pm; $5/adult, $3/student, 6 and under free.
Telescope viewing afterwards on clear nights.
March 1st – Scale of the Universe
Have you ever looked into the night sky and wondered “how big is the universe?” Some people might look at an image of Mt Everest and think “that’s big.” Others may look at our Moon in the night sky and think “that’s big.” You have probably heard astronomers refer to the “Big Bang.” We all have differing views of what is “BIG.” Join us on the evening of March 1st as VBAS Astrophotographer Don Reed takes us on a trip through the universe to answer that age old question of “How Big is the Universe.”
Presented by Don Reed
March 8th – Spring Skies
While the brilliant constellations of winter are still in the sky at sunset, the constellations of spring are on the way. This is the time of year when our position in our orbit around the Sun allows us to see well beyond our own galaxy and deep into space. Come and learn about the patterns of stars and the objects you can see with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope.
Presented by Alex Hall
March 15th – Life Cycle and Composition of Stars
There are estimated 100 billion stars in our home galaxy, Milky Way. How did these stars form and evolve? How will they end? What are they made of? About 100 years ago, Dr. Cecilia Payne made a groundbreaking discovery about the composition of stars. Join us on a stellar journey to learn about the life the cycle and composition of stars.
Presented by Dr. Naveen Vetcha
March 22nd – Huntsville’s Place in Space
As we prepare to go back to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years, the importance that Huntsville played both back then and right now is something to remember. Join Michael Buford for a look through the history of Huntsville’s amazing contributions in aviation, its massive importance during the Space Race, as well as Huntsville’s place in space now and in the future.
Presented by Michael Buford
March 29th – Alabama’s Dark Skies
Our night skies are becoming increasingly light. Besides astronomers, who is affected by the phenomena known as “light pollution?” We will look at both light polluted and truly dark skies and discuss what each of us can do to help.
Presented by Beth Bero