The Hallstrom Planetarium Presents: 2021–2022
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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.
A Year Full of Stars
Join Planetarium Director Jon U. Bell for a preview of awesome upcoming sky events, including two lunar eclipses in November and May; great views of the moon and planets; and a new season of planetarium shows! September 18, 6:00 p.m., Free
The Secret Life of Fish
Learn about coral reefs and reef fish behavior as Dr. William Tyler, IRSC Professor of Biological Sciences, shares his vast experiences garnered from years of studying Florida’s marine environment. Hear his marine biologist’s perspective on Finding Nemo—what’s right, and what’s not, about this popular movie. November 6, 6:00 p.m., Free
From the Big Bang to Puppy Dogs, the Story of Chemistry Be amazed as Dr. Paul Horton, IRSC Professor of Chemistry, dynamically demonstrates the interaction of elements and compounds in a presentation sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! January 22, 6:00 p.m., Free
Astronomy Day 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. *February 5, 4:00 p.m., Free
Want to Learn More About Astronomy?
STARLIGHT SERIES
IRSC offers classes in astronomy, stargazing and telescopes throughout the year for both backyard sky watchers and serious astronomy students.
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. 2021: October 23, November 20, December 4 & 11 2022: January 8, February 12, March 5, April 9, May 14, June 11
Classroom Field Trips
Free Planetarium shows are available October through May during school hours to K-12 public, private and home school classes. 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
2021–2022 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.
Saturn, Jewel of the Heavens
Welcome to the IRSC Hallstrom Planetarium
The Hallstrom Planetarium features a 360-degree immersive digital projection system and a state-of-the-art Spitz automated 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 on WQCS 88.9 FM National Public Radio at 6:30 and 8:30 a.m., and 12:59 p.m., Monday through Friday. Hosted by IRSC Planetarium Director Jon U. Bell 772-462-7515 • jbell@irsc.edu
This autumn, Saturn is visible in our evening skies. Celebrate the planet as we showcase its mysterious rings, fantastic ice moons and largest moon, Titan, with its lakes of liquid nitrogen! In the winter, we will lose sight of the ringed planet, but rediscover it next year. October 22, 23 and November 19, 20
Star of Wonder
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 3, 4, 10, 11
The Planets
Last year’s shows sold out, so due to popular demand—this classic presentation is back! In a recorded narration, Kate Mulgrew (Captain Janeway of Star Trek: Voyager) takes us on a grand tour of our solar system. Explore the surface of Mars, the perils of the asteroid belt, the cold rings of stormy gas planets and the features of other solar systems. January 7, 8, February 11,12 and March 4, 5
Join Indian River State College and the Treasure Coast Astronomical Society for a FREE open house with telescopes, guest speakers, handouts, planetarium mini-shows and guided views of the sky— weather permitting. Saturday, February 5, 3:00–9:00 p.m.
IRSC’s Hallstrom Planetarium will be open, and members of the Treasure Coast Astronomical Society will host guided views of these lunar eclipses. Telescopes will be available on the south lawn of the Hallstrom Planetarium. If the skies are cloudy, the eclipses will be held indoors on the planetarium’s domed ceiling. These events are FREE and open to the public. 2:00 a.m. 2:19 a.m. 4:03 a.m. 5:47 a.m.
Telescopes set-up Partial eclipse begins Maximum eclipse Partial eclipse ends
Enjoy a retelling of beautiful native American Indian stories about the sky and its stars. History and folklore combine for a unique and entertaining storytelling event that seeks to explain the natural world from the appearance of the bright star Arcturus to the nature of the Milky Way to the origins of the Earth, Moon and Sun. April 8, 9, May 13, 14 and June 10, 11
Astronomy Day (and Night!)
Lunar Eclipses
Friday, November 19, 2021
Daughter of the Stars
May 15–16, 2022 10:00 p.m., Sunday 10:07 p.m., Sunday 11:20 p.m., Sunday 12:53 a.m., Monday
Telescopes set-up Partial eclipse begins Totality occurs Totality ends
IRSC Box Office Hours
Monday–Friday, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. 3209 Virginia Avenue Fort Pierce, FL 34981 Purchase Starlight Series tickets in person at the IRSC Box Office or by phone 30 minutes prior to showtime, subject to availability, using your Visa, Discover, American Express or Mastercard. Call 772-462-4750 or 1-800-220-9915.