The University of Wyoming Harry C. Vaughan Planetarium announced on Apr. 29 that it will host an outreach event at Sinks Canyon State Park in Lander and present two “Wyoming Skies” programs focusing on the moon as part of its May schedule.
The announcement highlights a variety of public astronomy programs, including observing nights, educational films, and music-based light shows. The event at Sinks Canyon State Park is scheduled for Saturday, May 16 from 8 to 10 p.m., weather permitting. Max Gilbraith, the planetarium’s director, said: “At Sinks Canyon State Park, we will be conducting an outreach event, weather permitting, and set up some telescopes and do a live night sky presentation and observing session. The event is free and open to the public.”
Gilbraith also described the focus of this month’s topical programs: “Our topical ‘Wyoming Skies’ programs will each highlight different aspects of the moon. With the new moon coinciding with closest approach, it will make earthshine more visible. During the full moon, which also will be a blue moon, the moon will be a ‘micro’ moon and appear smaller than normal.”
Tickets for planetarium events are $5 for general admission or online purchases and $3 for students, senior citizens, veterans, first responders and those under 18; children under five are admitted free. Bulk tickets or gift cards can be purchased at discounted rates when buying ten or more tickets. Reservations are not required; walk-ins are welcome.
Additional programming throughout May includes full-dome movies such as “Back to the Moon for Good,” music-themed light shows like “Liquid Sky: Pop” and “Liquid Sky: The Beatles,” educational talks about women in astronomy and dark matter mysteries, as well as rooftop telescope viewing sessions following select shows if weather allows.
The planetarium is located in the basement of UW’s Physical Sciences Building with seating available on a first-come basis except designated accessible seating areas.
More information about program schedules can be found at www.uwyo.edu/physics/planetarium/schedule.html.
