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.

---

February 3 & 10 – Let’s Be Sirius for a Moment

Are you Sirius about astronomy? Then you might already recognize the brightest star in our night sky, Sirius! But did you know Sirius hides an incredible mystery that baffled scientists for decades? Join VBAS as we explore these secrets and the amazing advances in astronomy they revealed. You Sirius-ly shouldn’t miss this!

Presented by Eric Silkowski

---

February 17 – 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. There are numerous terrestrial or natural events that can and do occur, such as hurricanes, volcanoes, and earthquakes, that have terrible outcomes. These disastrous terrestrial events pale in comparison to some of 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, tongue-in-cheek 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, VBAS Planetarium Director.

---

February 24

In October 2023 the continental United States experienced an annular eclipse. On April 8 we will have an opportunity to view a total solar eclipse. Join VBAS educator Tom Burlington for an explanation of this event and how you can safely view it.

Presented by Tom Burleson.

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.

---

January 6 – The Magic Carpet

Come explore the wonders of the night sky with
VBAS educator Dr. Gena Crook. We will travel
around the world and through time with our trusty
planetarium projector as our guide.

Presented by Gena Crook

---

January 13 & 20 – So You Got a Telescope

So, you got a telescope for a gift recently and now
you want to learn how to use it? Awesome! Join ex-
perienced astronomer and astrophotographer Frank
Schenk for a hands-on explanation of your tele-
scope’s abilities. This presentation will include a
short history of telescopes and how they work, fol-
lowed by a description of various types of modern
telescopes, how to use them, and the advantages
and disadvantages of each. Recommendations
about eyepieces, and necessary accessories such
as Atmospheric Dispersion Correctors. Bring your
scope!

Presented by Frank Schenck

---

January 27 – Solar Eclipse Coming April 8!

In October 2023 the continental United States ex-
perienced an annular eclipse. This coming April we
will have an opportunity to view a total solar eclipse.
Join VBAS educator Dr. Gena Crook for an expla-
nation of this event and how you can safely view it.

Presented by Presented by Gena Crook

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.

---

December 2 and 9 – The Star of Bethlehem

Join us on the evenings of December 2nd or 9th to
hear our Special Presentation of The Star of Won-
der. On these 2 nights VBAS actors tell the Christ-
mas Story told from the perspective of the Three
Wisemen. The journey the Wisemen took on that
first Christmas comes to life as they detail their
quest to find the Christ Child and answer a very ba-
sic question: what could cause that star to shine so
brightly? Children 12 and under will receive a “goo-
die bag” of toys and candy. Be sure to arrive early
as this particular show sells out early.

Presented by Don Reed and Tom Burleson

---

December 16 – The Star of Bethlehem

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 night.

Presented by Beth Bero

---

December 23 and 30 – 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

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.

---

November 4 – All About Stars

Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are? In this presentation, we’ll take a look at stars – big ones, small ones, explosive ones, sputtering ones, brand new ones, ancient ones, and ones that are long dead. We’ll also take a look at the November Night Skies and highlight star birth, life and death.

Presented by Alex Hall

---

November 11 – Stars fell on Alabama

Come celebrate our Alabama heritage 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

---

November 18 – Kepler, Master of the Planets

Johannes Kepler was an incredible mathematician and astronomer. We will take a brief look at his life and contributions to science. We will also talk about the planets that have been discovered around other stars in our galaxy using data from the Kepler Space Telescope.

Presented by Gena Crook

---

November 25 – No Show!

We are taking off for the weekend. Have a happy Thanksgiving (and Iron Bowl!)

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.

---

October 7 – There’s Annular Solar Eclipse coming, what should I know?

Join us as we look forward to next Saturday’s annular (partial in Huntsville) eclipse. Learn why an eclipse happens and how you can safely enjoy this one next week.

Presented by Beth Bero

---

October 14 – Kids Night at the Planetarium

Bring your kids out for a night at the planetarium just for them. We will learn about the current night sky constellations and have some fun!

Presented by Delisa Collette

---

October 21 – Magic Carpet

We can use the star projector in the planetarium to pretend to fly anywhere on Earth – like a magic carpet! Abbie Cone 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 Abbie Cone

---

October 28 – Spooky Skies!

Boo! We will take a curious and kid-friendly look at the darker side of the night sky. We will explore some ancient legends, check out some ghostly nebulas and learn how both ancient and modern people enjoyed scaring themselves with things in the sky! Costumes for ages 12 and under welcome, treats available after the show.

Presented by Chris Bero

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

---

September 2 – Alabama Time Machine

Join us on a whirlwind journey through time to explore the ancient origins of Monte Sano and the astronomical wonders witnessed along the way. As we dive back through 350 million years of deep time, we will stop to explore fascinating geological upheavals and mind-boggling space catastrophes. Come prepared for an amazing adventure with fossils, meteorites, and old-fashioned scientific detective work!

Presented by Eric Silkowski

---

September 9 – Fall Skies

Come and explore the constellations and celestial wonders in the Fall Night Skies!

Presented by Beth Bero

---

September 16 – Hairy Stars

To our forebears, comets were the oddest things. They didn’t look like the stars, they didn’t wander like the planets, and they were often seen following or preceding the Sun in the evening or morning sky. It’s no wonder that they were often associated with doom and change! The word ‘comet’ comes from an ancient Greek word meaning ‘long haired’ and in this presentation, we’ll look at what we know about these hairy stars from observations and space probes and how comets could be the key to exploring our galaxy!

Presented by Alexandra Hall

---

September 23 – Astronomy Day!

---

September 30 – “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” – Asteroids, some of the other “Stuff” of the Solar System

We’ve all heard the expression “don’t sweat the small stuff.” But with the asteroids – some of the ‘small stuff’ of the solar system – it’s actually a good idea to spend some time thinking about them.  While there are only eight planets, there are millions of asteroids.  Small asteroids buzz planet Earth frequently, and some even fall as meteorites!  Asteroids have been found to contain pristine material from the birth of the Solar System 4.6 billion years ago.  Some asteroids are thought to contain unimaginable riches in precious metals.  Recent space missions have looked at asteroids up close, and some have even snatched samples for return to Earth.  This show will introduce you to asteroids and explain why scientists do “sweat the small stuff.”

Presented by Eric Silkowski

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

---

August 5 – The Sun, the Moon, and the Annular Eclipse

Join us to learn about eclipse science and upcoming events!

Presented by Mitzi Adams

---

August 12 – Stars Fell on Alabama

Join retired educator Beth Bero for a trip through Alabama’s deep past as we learn about both the current Perseid Meteor Shower and other objects that have fallen over or on Alabama! Family friendly presentation.

Presented by Beth Bero

---

August 19 – Satellites and Space Junk

Retired educator Beth Bero will shed some light on what’s up in the sky tonight, both ‘natural’ and man-made. We will explore the question of how to see certain satellites, how long they will orbit and what will happen to them when they run out of fuel. Family friendly presentation.

Presented by Beth Bero

---

August 26 – AL Time Machine

Join us on a whirlwind journey though time to explore the ancient origins of Monte Sano and the astronomical wonders witnessed along the way.
As we dive back through 350 million years of deep time, we will stop to explore fascinating geological upheavals and mind-boggling space catastrophes.
Come prepared for an amazing adventure with fossils, meteorites, and old-fashioned scientific detective work!

Presented by Eric Silkowski

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

---

July 1 – Backyard Radio Astronomy

VBAS has been working with the Huntsville Amateur Radio Club to develop radio astronomy activities and conduct citizen science from our facilities on Monte Sano. Come and learn about how we can observe Meteors, our Milky Way, the Sun, Jupiter and much more using radio and what we hope to learn.

Presented by Alex Hall and Bob Ehresman

---

July 8 – Kepler, Master of the Planets

Johannes Kepler was an incredible mathematician and astronomer. We will take a brief look at his life and contributions to science. We will also talk about the planets that have been discovered around other stars in our galaxy using data from the Kepler Space Telescope.

Presented by Gena Crook

---

July 15 and 29 – Webb’s First Year of Science

It’s only been one year since the James Webb Space Telescope’s first full-color images and data were released. What exactly is Webb observing during this first year of science? With the capacity to explore almost every region of space and observe almost any type of object or material that emits, absorbs, reflects, or deflects near-infrared or mid-infrared light, there’s a lot to choose from. Join us to learn the telescope and some of its discoveries in the past year.

Presented by Naveen Vetcha and Tom Burleson

---

July 22 – Kids Night at the Planetarium

Bring your kiddos out for a night at the planetarium specifically for them. We will learn about the moon and try some fun activities for the young (or young at heart).

Presented by Delisa Collette

All planetarium shows begin at 7:30pm. Admission opens at 7:00pm. Telescope viewing afterwards on clear nights

---

May 6th & 13th – 3D Printing in Space

What is 3D printing, and how does it work? Join us for a tour of 3D printing processes and learn how they are being applied to further the missions of space exploration!

Presented by Chris Bero

---

May 20th – Stars Around the World

Join professional educator Beth Bero in a journey of discov-
ery as we learn how people around the world see the night-
time sky.

Presented by Beth Bero

---

May 27th – Sounds of Space

Just because Space is a vacuum does not stop the Universe
from singing! From Geiger counters to the latest and greatest
Radio telescopes, all of this data can be altered to fit into our
very narrow range of hearing through Sonification. This data
can be used to make truly alien music and more importantly
give an entirely different perspective to how we approach
science by using our ears instead of our eyes.

Presented by Michael Buford

All planetarium shows begin at 7:30pm. Admission opens at 7:00pm. Telescope viewing afterwards on clear nights

---

April 1 – The Moon

All about our natural satellite, the Moon, and how it is unusually large for a small planet like Earth, and how its origin may have been much different from the 214 other moons in our solar system.  Also a discussion of all the various interesting features on the Moon, even visible even in a small telescope and how they probably were formed.

Presented by Frank Schenck

---

April 8 – The Sun! and the April 8, 2024 Eclipse

Once again, the path of a total solar eclipse will cross the United States, this time on April 8, 2024, moving from the Southwest to the Northeast. Unlike the 2017 total solar eclipse, the 2024 path of totality will touch larger population areas, and has the potential to reach two and a half times the number of people. This talk will review what we know about the Sun, discuss why we have eclipses, what is seen during a total solar eclipse, how to safely view solar eclipses, and how to find resources. Finally, we will look at NASA’s evolving plan for the eclipse.

Presented by Mitzi Adams

---

April 15 – Separated at Birth?

People often trace their family’s history to learn where they came from and find long-lost (hopefully wealthy) relatives.  Ever wonder about the origin of our Solar System?  Where was the Sun born? 
Does our Sun have siblings and where are they now?  Join us as we take a fascinating journey through deep time in search of our Sun’s birthplace and her long lost-siblings.

Presented by Eric Silkowski

---

April 22 – Kids Night at the Planetarium

Bring your kiddos out for a night at the planetarium specifically for them. We will learn about the moon and try some fun activities for the young (or young at heart).

Presented by Delisa Collette

---

April 29 – Radio Observatories

We’ll be taking a look at radio telescopes of the past, present, and future. Radio telescopes have some very interesting designs and have made some extremely important discoveries. Radio Astronomy is even in VBAS’ near future. They’ll be opportunities for you to participate if you are interested.

Presented by Gena Crook