Planetarium Program in Honor of International Astronomy Day

In honor of International Astronomy Day, the Illinois State University Planetarium will present The Stars Tonight at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 7.  The live Planetarium program, which explores the bright stars and constellations found in the spring sky, complements a free 8 p.m. stargazing session hosted by the Twin City Amateur Astronomers at the Sugar Grove Nature Center.

The Planetarium will also present the final weekend showings of the family program Follow the Drinking Gourd on Friday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 7, at 2 p.m. The stars of the Big Dipper are among the brightest in the night sky and point the way to the North Star. Throughout time these stars have been thought to resemble everything from a bear and three hunters to a drinking gourd guiding the way to freedom. The show explores the many tales surrounding the Big Dipper.

Admission to Planetarium programs is $4 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12 and seniors and $2 for children ages 3-4. Planetarium members are admitted free of charge.

The Planetarium is located under the white domed roof at the intersection of School Street and College Avenue in Normal. For more information call the Planetarium's Skyline at (309) 438-5007 or visit www.phy.ilstu.edu/planet.html.