Category: Planetarium Shows

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.

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March 7th – Exoplanets

Extrasolar Planets (Exoplanets) are planets that are outside our solar system. Since the discovery of first exoplanet in the early 90s, the field of exoplanet research expanded rapidly and resulted in the discovery of close to 6100 Exoplanets. Some of these orbit other stars and some are just freely floating in the vacuum of space. Studying these objects helps us understqnd our own solar system. Join us and learn all about these fascinating worlds.

Presented by Dr. Naveen Vetcha

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March 14th – Auroras, Light Show in the Sky

The Northern and Southern Lights are a wonder to behold. Join us as we explore the causes of this fantastic phenomena.

Presented by Beth Bero

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March 21st – Spring Skies

Our place in space at this time of year allows us a view into the deepest parts of the Universe to see many treasures. Amateur astronomers plan marathons in Spring to try to observe as many as possible! We will explore the spring constellations and some of the “treasures” that you can discover.

Presented by Alex Hall

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March 28th – Star Clusters, Nebulas, and Galaxies… Oh my!

Comet hunter Charles Messier made a now-famous list of “objects to avoid” in the night sky. Come join us on an odyssey introduction to many of the most beautiful objects in astronomy!

Presented by Cyril Bryan

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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.

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February 7th – Rainbows and Unicorns: Spectral wonders of Monoceros

For reasons unknown, Rainbows and Unicorns naturally belong together. Everyone is delighted to see a rainbow in the sky, and who wouldn’t love to see the elusive unicorn? Join us on Saturday night and learn to spot the heavenly unicorn, Monoceros, prancing through our winter sky. Be warned: you may be enchanted as we reveal the manifold secrets of this mythical beast via the magical rainbow of astronomical spectroscopy.

Presented by Eric Silkowski

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February 14th – Jupiter and Saturn

In observance of Jupiter’s close approach to the Earth (opposition), join us for an evening about our solar system’s gas giants!

Presented by Haley Rice

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February 21st – Rainbows and Unicorns: Spectral wonders of Monoceros

For reasons unknown, Rainbows and Unicorns naturally belong together. Everyone is delighted to see a rainbow in the sky, and who wouldn’t love to see the elusive unicorn? Join us on Saturday night and learn to spot the heavenly unicorn, Monoceros, prancing through our winter sky. Be warned: you may be enchanted as we reveal the manifold secrets of this mythical beast via the magical rainbow of astronomical spectroscopy.

Presented by Eric Silkowski

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February 28th – What Is the Universe Hiding?

Although stars and galaxies fill the night sky, most of the universe is made of something we cannot see. Dark matter reveals itself only through its effects, shaping galaxies and holding cosmic structures together. Follow the clues astronomers use to uncover this hidden mass and explore why one of the universe’s most dominant components remains unknown.

Presented by Maggie Sexton

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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.

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January 3rd – Standing Stones and Sungazers

In recognition of the Winter Solstice we will explore how we believe ancient civilizations marked the passage of the year through monuments, monoliths and markers and learn about the astronomical causes of all the motions.

Presented by Alex Hall

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January 10th – Jupiter and Saturn

In observance of Jupiter’s close approach to the Earth (opposition), join us for an evening about our solar system’s gas giants!

Presented by Haley Rice

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January 17th – Magic Carpet

Our star projector can help us pretend to fly anywhere on Earth – like a magic carpet! See the motion of the stars across the sky at the equator, north pole, and southern hemisphere. Watch how the sun changes positions at these locations. You may be surprised if you haven’t actually been to the equator or the north pole in person! We will put the star projector to work and use it to show its unique educational capabilities.

Presented by Gena Crook

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January 24th – CANCELED!

No show due to weather.

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January 31st – Artemis II – Humanity’s journey back to the Moon

NASA with support from its commercial partners is setting the stage for a historical journey back to the Moon. In a few days, four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence on the Noon for science and exploration through Artemis. The 10-day flight will help confirm systems and hardware needed for early human lunar exploration missions. Join us to learn about the Artemis program and the upcoming launch.

Presented by Naveen Vetcha

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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.

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December 6th – Star of Wonder

What was the star that the Magi saw? Join VBAS educator Beth Bero for this family-friendly program that explores the history, science and wonder of a special star. Followed by a look at our current night sky under the planetarium dome.

Presented by Beth Bero

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December 13th – Star of Wonder

VBAS actors tell the Christmas Story told from the perspective of the three wise men. The journey the wise men took that first Christmas comes to life as they detail their quest to find the Christ Child and answer a very basic question: what could cause that star to shine so brightly? Children 12 and under will receive a goodie bag of toys and candy.

Presented by Don Reed, Jared Cassidy and Tom Burlington

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December 20th – Star of Wonder

VBAS actors tell the Christmas Story told from the perspective of the three wise men. The journey the wise men took that first Christmas comes to life as they detail their quest to find the Christ Child and answer a very basic question: what could cause that star to shine so brightly? Children 12 and under will receive a goodie bag of toys and candy.

Presented by Don Reed, Jared Cassidy and Tom Burlington

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December 27th – Standing Stones and Sungazers

In recognition of the Winter Solstice we will explore how we believe ancient civilizations marked the passage of the year through monuments, monoliths and markers and learn about the astronomical causes of all the motions.

Presented by Alex Hall

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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.

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November 1st – Spooky Skies

Boo! Join us for a fun and child-friendly look at the scarier side of the autumn night sky. Learn about ancient traditions based on observations of the night sky and take a look at some scary nebulas! Costumes for ages 12 and under welcome. Treats available after the show.

Presented by Beth Bero

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November 8th – The History of VBAS

In honor of VBAS 70th Anniversary our program tonight will highlight some of the history of our organization.

Presented by Gena Crook

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November 15th – Stars Fell on Alabama

Come celebrate our Alabama heritage as seen through the lens of meteorites and meteor showers! Objects both large and small have landed in Alabama, both in deep history and more recently. Learn how we observe such occurrences every night and how you can search for rocks that fall on Alabama.

Presented by Beth Bero

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November 22nd – William Herschel

William Herschel made numerous discoveries that give cause for some to call him the father of modern astronomy. His most famous discovery doubled the size of the Solar System. Come learn about this musician/composer turned astronomer/telescope maker who left forever one of the biggest marks in the history of astronomy.

Presented by Jared Cassidy

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November 29th – NO SHOW

VBAS Planetarium Closed for Iron Bowl

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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.

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October 4th – Magic Carpet

We can use the star projector in the planetarium to pretend to fly anywhere on Earth – like a magic carpet! Gena Crook will demonstrate the motion of the stars across the sky at the equator, the north pole, and the southern hemisphere. We will also watch how the sun changes positions at these locations. You may be surprised if you haven’t actually been to the equator or the north pole in person! This program will put the star projector to work and allow us to see its unique educational capabilities.

Presented by Gena Crook

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October 11th – The Universe is Trying to Kill You

Beyond the calamities that face us here on our planet, there are other forces in the universe that can do us in. Since our planet formed, it has been under constant threat of annihilation from both terrestrial and extraterrestrial influences. Disastrous terrestrial events pale in comparison to what lies out in the solar system and beyond that could cause our ultimate demise, such as giant meteors, comets, asteroids, exploding stars, and more. Join us as we take a somewhat lighthearted look at the dark shadow of doom that awaits us from within our solar system and the deep recesses of the universe.

Presented by Jared Cassidy

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October 18th – Spooky Skies

Boo! Join us for a fun and child-friendly look at the scarier side of the autumn night sky. Learn about ancient traditions based on observations of the night sky and take a look at some scary nebulas! Costumes for ages 12 and under welcome. Treats available after the show.

Presented by Maggie Sexton

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October 25th – Spooky Skies

Boo! Join us for a fun and child-friendly look at the scarier side of the autumn night sky. Learn about ancient traditions based on observations of the night sky and take a look at some scary nebulas! Costumes for ages 12 and under welcome. Treats available after the show.

Presented by Beth Bero

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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.

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September 6th – Juno Mission to Jupiter

Launched in August 2011, The Juno spacecraft travelled for five years to reach the king of the planets, Juputer. Juno has been in Jupiter’s orbit for a little over nine years and has provided a wealth of information about Jupiter and its surroundings. Join us to learn about the discoveries made by Juno about Jupiter’s interior, atmosphere, auroras, Galilean moons, rings, radiation belts, other moons, and magnetosphere.

Presented by Naveen Vetcha

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September 13th – Autumn Skies

The Summer Triangle hangs in the west and the less brilliant stars of fall are climbing high in the sky. The geometry of where the Earth is in its orbit around the Sun in the fall allows us a view out into the depths of the Universe. Come and learn what there is to see with your eyes, binoculars or a telescope.

Presented by Alex Hall

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September 20th – History of Huntsville and VBAS

The histories of Huntsville and the Von Braun Astronomical Society are intertwined. Come along and let’s learn about this fascinating history.

Presented by Beth Bero

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September 27th – Astronomy Day

The VBAS planetarium volunteers will be taking turns giving mini planetarium shows on topics of their choice while we are open for Astronomy Day.

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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.

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August 2nd – History of Planetariums

Learn about the history of planetariums, the “recent” projector technology, and the possible future of star viewing indoors.

Presented by Tom Burlington

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August 9th – Choosing a Telescop

So, you are interested in astronomy. You may be wondering: What gear do I need to get involved? We are here to help you! We will show how to best meet your interests, and avoid the most common costs & frustrations, at all common budget levels, in this our wonderful hobby.

Presented by Cyril Bryan

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August 16th – Choosing a Telescop

So, you are interested in astronomy. You may be wondering: What gear do I need to get involved? We are here to help you! We will show how to best meet your interests, and avoid the most common costs & frustrations, at all common budget levels, in this our wonderful hobby.

Presented by Cyril Bryan

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August 23rd – Exoplanets

Extrasolar Planets (Exoplanets) are planets that are outside our solar system. Since the discovery of first exoplanet in early 90s, the field of exoplanet research has expanded rapidly and resulted in the discovery of close to 6000 exoplanets so far. Some of these orbit other stars and some are just freely floating in the vacuum of space. Studying these objects helps us understand our own solar system. Join us and learn all about these fascinating worlds.

Presented by Naveen Vetcha

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August 30th – Life in the Universe

Well, we’re looking for it. Life in places other than Earth, that is. The Clipper Mission is on its way to Jupiter’s moon, Europa. And the James Webb Space Telescope has a super interesting technique for looking for evidence of life on exoplanets. You’ll want to join us at the VBAS planetarium tonight so you can learn about how we’re searching. If you have some knowledge in your noggin’ then you’ll be prepared to be really excited when news of a discovery breaks.

Presented by Gena Crook

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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.

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July 5th – The Sun is Blowing a Bubble!

In addition to lighting the sky, our amazing Sun blasts the entire solar system with a supersonic wind of energetic particles. Approximately 270,000 African Elephants worth of matter streams out from the Sun every second, blowing a gigantic bubble in space that cocoons our solar system. Join us as we learn about this astonishing Solar Wind and the dangerous and wonderful ways it affects Earth and our everyday lives.

Presented by Eric Silkowski

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July 12th – James Webb Telescope-The Journey So Far

Launched in December 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has revealed many unprecedented details of the universe during its two years of operation. Webb’s first images were released on July 12, 2022. Join us in a journey through space and time as we celebrate the anniversary of the first images. We will look at some of the recent images taken by JWST and learn what new things these images taught us about the cosmos.

Presented by Naveen Vetcha

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July 19th – Black Holes

Most people know that black holes are strong gravity sources. What else do we know about them? Join us as we explore one of the strangest objects in the universe.

Presented by Rachel Stewart

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July 26th – The Sun is Blowing a Bubble!

In addition to lighting the sky, our amazing Sun blasts the entire solar system with a supersonic wind of energetic particles. Approximately 270,000 African Elephants worth of matter streams out from the Sun every second, blowing a gigantic bubble in space that cocoons our solar system. Join us as we learn about this astonishing Solar Wind and the dangerous and wonderful ways it affects Earth and our everyday lives.

Presented by Eric Silkowski

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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.

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June 7th – AL Astronomy Summer Fun

Alabama is a great state to explore in the summer with many notable places related to astronomy to visit! Join VBAS educator Beth Bero as we tour Alabama’s summer astronomy fun destinations and learn how to enjoy our astronomy hobbies right here in our own state.

Presented by Beth Bero

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June 14th – Summer Skies

Join us on a cosmic journey, navigating our summer skies: the stars, the constellations, many beautiful deep sky objects, and perhaps even some historical tales about them. We will also use our sky dome simulation projector to show where in the sky all these are located.

Presented by Cyril Bryan

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June 21st – Summer Skies

Join us on a cosmic journey, navigating our summer skies: the stars, the constellations, many beautiful deep sky objects, and perhaps even some historical tales about them. We will also use our sky dome simulation projector to show where in the sky all these are located.

Presented by Cyril Bryan

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June 28th – Variable Stars

Stars that change brightness have been known for thousands of years, but those that do it regularly and predictably turned out to hold the key to unlocking our understanding of the distances in our Universe! Come and find out about this fascinating story, and learn about observing variable stars.

Presented by Alex Hall

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