VBAS

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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May 3rd and 10th – Outer Planets

The four “Gas Giants” are among the most exciting objects for new observers to find in a telescope. What do
we know about these distant worlds? Join Beth Bero for a look at current and past research on these enigmatic
neighbors in our solar system.

Presented by Beth Bero

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May 17th – Southern Skies

A microscope? An air-pump? A compass? No, not a laboratory, but the constellations of the Southern skies! Using our star projector, we can take a peek at the night sky from places of a more southerly latitude and learn some new star patterns and how they got their names.

Presented by Alex Hall

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May 24th and 31st – The Moon: Then and Now

70 years ago a group of astronomy enthusiasts joined together to create the Rocket City Astronomical
Association, later renamed in honor of Dr. Wernher von Braun. Under his leadership, some of our founders
pioneered the early exploration of space and especially the Moon. In 1955, almost nothing was known about
the Moon; no one had ever even seen the far side! Join us as we journey through the history of lunar exploration
from the pre-Apollo era to today. We will see how scientists and explorers unlocked the Moon’s secrets and the
incredible advance of technology over the course of VBAS’ 70-year history.

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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April 5th – Telescopes in Space

We will explore the fascinating world of space-based telescopes and how they allow us to see the universe in ways our eyes alone cannot. By diving into the electromagnetic spectrum, we’ll uncover how different wavelengths of light reveal a more complete picture of the cosmos. Join us as we journey through the night sky, discovering how each part of the spectrum helps us unlock the secrets of the universe!

Presented by Abbie Cone

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April 12th – 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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April 19th – Volcanoes!

Volcanoes are awesome! Who doesn’t love seeing film of a massive volcanic explosion or rivers of burning hot lava? But, did you know Earth isn’t the only planet with volcanoes? And, did you know some volcanoes are not hot but incredibly cold? Come to this show and you will have a blast learning about the solar system’s amazing volcanoes!

Presented by Eric Silkowski

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April 26th – Volcanoes!

Volcanoes are awesome! Who doesn’t love seeing film of a massive volcanic explosion or rivers of burning hot lava? But, did you know Earth isn’t the only planet with volcanoes? And, did you know some volcanoes are not hot but incredibly cold? Come to this show and you will have a blast learning about the solar system’s amazing volcanoes!

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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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

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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

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March 15th – Planetarium closed

Planetarium show canceled due to potential of severe weather.

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March 22nd – 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

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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

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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 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 February 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

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February 8th – Space Observatories

What are we learning from the Space Observatories? Join us as we explore the wonders of the universe.

Presented by Abbie Cone

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February 15th – Messier: 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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February 22nd – Messier: 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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January 4th – Hubble, the Man and the Telescope

Who was Edwin Hubble, and what is the Hubble Orbiting Telescope? Join retired educator Beth Bero in a show that encompasses history, science and spectacular space images!

Presented by Beth Bero

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January 11th – CANCELED

No planetarium show due to winter storm conditions.

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January 18th – The Red Planet

From the time unknown humans were obsessed with the red dot moving across the sky. Mars, the Red Planet was woven into myths, religion, literature, and art across various civilizations and cultures over millennia. Technological advancements and space exploration in the 20th century reignited our fascination with the planet that resulted in learning a lot about our neighbor in the solar system. Join us on a brief journey to the Red Planet, our cosmic neighbor.

Presented by Naveen Vetcha

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January 25th – 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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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 7 – Christmas Star

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.

Presented by Beth Bero

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December 14 – Christmas Star

Join us on the evenings of Dec 14 or 21 to hear a Special Presentation of The Star of Wonder. VBAS actors tell the Christmas Story told from the perspective of the Three Wisemen. The journey the Wisemen 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. Be sure to arrive early as this particular show sells out early.

Presented by Don Reed, Tom Burleson and Jared Cassidy

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December 21 – Christmas Star

Join us on the evenings of Dec 14 or 21 to hear a Special Presentation of The Star of Wonder. VBAS actors tell the Christmas Story told from the perspective of the Three Wisemen. The journey the Wisemen 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. Be sure to arrive early as this particular show sells out early.

Presented by Don Reed, Tom Burleson and Jared Cassidy

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December 28 – 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 monu- ments, 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.

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November 2nd – 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 9th – 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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November 16th – Why The Moon’s South Pole?

Why does everyone want to go to the moon’s south pole? What’s wrong with the moon’s equator or mid latitudes? Is it cold at the lunar pole? Will there be polar bears? Lunarians? Will they bring penguins for company? Isn’t it more difficult to get to the lunar pole than equator? And what’s wrong with the moon’s north pole? Are the people making these decisions lunatics? Why do scientists ask so many questions? Don’t you want to come to the show and find out

Presented by Naveen Vetcha

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November 23rd – Stars Fell on Alabama

“…and Stars Fell on Alabama, that night…” Why are those words in a song, and what do they mean? Join educator Beth Bero as we explore the history of Alabama’s intersections with outer space! We will travel through time from 80 million years ago to last week, and leave you with the tools to search for your own “Alabama Space Rocks.”

Presented by Beth Bero

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November 30th – NO SHOW!

Happy Iron Bowl!

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