The Hallstrom Planetarium Presents: 2022–2023
STARLIGHT SERIES
at the
H A L L S T R O M P L A N E TA R I U M
(Saturdays at 6:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted*) All talks are FREE.) Thanks to generous donors, we are able to present a series of STEAM Talks. We’ve added an “A” to the acronym “STEM” (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), because these talks also address topics in the Arts (the humanities). These 45-minute presentations are open to the public.
Open House and A Year Full of Stars
Join Planetarium Director Jon U. Bell for a preview of a new season of planetarium shows and awesome Florida sky events. Explore the new Planetarium Gift Shop at our official opening. October 1, 6:00–9:00 p.m., Free
Astronomy Day and NASA Update Hear Russell Romanella, former Director of Safety and Mission Assurance for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida, discuss NASA, the space program and the exploration of the Universe. The Treasure Coast Astronomical Society will provide exhibits with telescopes, activities for the family and guided views of the sky after the presentation—weather permitting. January 28, 3:00–9:00 p.m., Free
The Friendly Robot— The Modern Planetarium
The IRSC planetarium projector is 30 years old in March 2023. See this modern marvel and learn how it works during this lecture by Planetarium Director Jon U. Bell. March 25, 6:00 p.m., Free
Pythagoras and the Music of the Spheres
Attend this lecture presented by IRSC math instructor Dr. Michael Reynolds to learn about the interconnections between math, music and science. June 10, 6:00 p.m., Free
Want to Learn More About Astronomy?
IRSC offers classes in astronomy, stargazing and telescopes throughout the year for both backyard sky watchers and serious astronomy students. Visit irsc.edu.
Kid Space
11:00 a.m. on select Saturdays—for children ages four to 12. All adults must be accompanied by at least one child. $5 per person. 2022: October 8 & 22, November 5, December 3 & 10 2023: February 11 & 25, March 11, April 22, May 13 & 27
Classroom Field Trips
Free Planetarium shows are available October through May during school hours to K-12 public, private and home school classes in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties. Call 772-462-7503.
Indian River State College Brinkley Science Center 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, Florida
www.irsc.edu • 1-866-792-4772 IRSC is an EA/EO educational institution.
Indian River State College Hallstrom Planetarium
Indian River State College Hallstrom Planetarium
Indian River State College Hallstrom Planetarium
2022–2023 STARLIGHT SERIES Shows are presented Fridays at 7:00 and 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 1:00 and 2:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Tickets are only $5! Prices vary for specialty shows where noted.
Open House and STEAM Talk
Welcome to the IRSC Hallstrom Planetarium
The Hallstrom Planetarium features a 360-degree immersive digital projection system and a state-of-the-art Spitz model 5-12 planetarium projector. It recreates the sky, sun, moon and planets among the stars on the 40-foot, domed planetarium ceiling. View tonight’s sky, see how it appeared thousands of years ago, or look into the distant future for a glimpse of how it may appear from our location or anywhere in the world—or universe! Planetarium shows are recommended for adults and children over the age of ten. The air temperature is maintained at 72 degrees. You may wish to bring a sweater or light jacket.
SKYWATCH
Listen to one-minute updates of the sky and astronomy, Monday through Friday. WQCS 88.9 FM at 6:40 and 8:40 a.m., and 11:59 a.m. WQCP 91.5 FM at 7:59 a.m. and 12:59 p.m. Transcripts and podcasts at wqcs.org Hosted by IRSC Planetarium Director Jon U. Bell 772-462-7515 • jbell@irsc.edu
Saturday, October 1•6:00–9:00 p.m. FREE
Red Planet Rising
Find out all about Mars—the red planet— and our plans to go there. Mars is visible in the late autumn 2022 evening skies. October 7, 8, 21, 22 and November 4, 5
Star of Wonder—30th Anniversary What was the mysterious star that guided the Magi? Could it have been a comet, a meteor or a supernova? How might an astronomer explain it? Find out as we take the Planetarium back in time more than 2,000 years to recreate the skies over Judea. Star of Wonder has been a family holiday tradition since 1993. December 2, 3, 9, 10
Yuletides
Enjoy a live concert “under the stars” featuring songs of the holiday season with the electronic music of worldrenowned composer and artist Jonn Serrie! Tickets are $15. Saturday, December 17, 2:00 & 7:00 p.m.
MARS Watch—See the Red Planet!
Astronomy Day and STEAM Talk Saturday, January 28, 3:00–9:00 p.m. FREE
Space Songs, The Musical!
STEAM Talk: Pythagoras and the Music of the Spheres Saturday, June 10, 6:00 p.m. FREE
Join science teachers, students and the rest of the audience in singing outer space songs as everyone prepares for the next big science exam. Use music to master the subjects! February 10, 11, 24, 25 and March 10, 11
STEAM Talk: The Friendly Robot— The Modern Planetarium Saturday, March 25, 6:00 p.m. FREE
Forward to the Moon
No one has walked on the moon—our nearest neighbor—since December 1972. It’s time we returned. Learn about the work being done by NASA and independent contractors to build and launch astronauts to the moon through the Artemis Project. April 21, 22 and May 12, 13, 26, 27
Mars is at opposition on December 8, 2022, when Earth passes it at roughly 40 million miles. We then will be the closest to it, and it will appear at its biggest and brightest! Members of the Treasure Coast Astronomical Society (treasurecoastastronomy.org) will host guided views of Mars and its features at the Hallstrom Planetarium, weather permitting. These events are FREE and open to the public. December 9, 17 and January 13, 14, 28 • 7:00–9:00 p.m.
IRSC Box Office Hours Monday–Friday, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. McAlpin Fine Arts Center 3209 Virginia Avenue • Fort Pierce, FL Call 772-462-4750 or 1-800-220-9915.
Purchase Starlight Series tickets in person at the IRSC Box Office, by phone or online at irsc.edu using your Visa, Discover, American Express or Mastercard. Seating is limited. Purchase your tickets early! If seats are still available, tickets may be purchased at the Planetarium entrance