Westminster College Planetarium Takes Viewers to Hawaii

The Westminster College Planetarium presents "The Explorers of Mauna Kea," a 35-minute multimedia show that explores the heavens of Hawaii, Oct. 24-26 and Nov. 1-2, at 7 p.m. in the Hoyt Science Resources Center room 116.

The presentation takes viewers to the 14,000-foot summit of the Mauna Kea volcano in Hawaii, where astronomers explore the heavens with the world's greatest telescopes. This high, dry place with its tropical sky and dark heavens, one of the best observing places on our planet, contains seven of the largest telescopes in the world and 13different observing facilities.

The show introduces the mountain, its rich cultural heritage, and examines how the cutting-edge telescopes work. Breathtaking aerial photography allows the viewer to soar above the impressive scenic stature of Mauna Kea to survey the projects and many recent discoveries of the universe.

Included in the show is a survey of the current night sky in this area. Weather permitting, attendees are invited to Westminster's rooftop observatory to look at the current sights in the night sky following the show.

The show is free and open to the public, however seating is limited, so reservations required. Call (724) 946-7200 to make reservations.

For more information about the show, contact Dr. Sam Lightner IV, professor and chair of physics at Westminster College at (724) 946-7204 or e-mail lightner@westminster.edu. The Westminster College Planetarium presents "The Explorers of Mauna Kea," a 35-minute multimedia show that explores the heavens of Hawaii, Oct. 24-26 and Nov. 1-2, at 7 p.m. in the Hoyt Science Resources Center room 116.

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