Westminster College Announces Planetarium's Spring Schedule

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - Westminster College announces several planetarium shows for the Spring 2013 season. Shows are open to the public and free of charge. However, reservations are required due to limited seating.

Visit www.westminster.edu/planetarium or call (724) 946-STAR for more information or to make reservations.

"One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure"
Feb. 23, 4 p.m. This film will be shown again at 5:30 p.m., plus stargazing. * (weather permitting)
March 16, 4 p.m.
April 13, 4 p.m.

Big Bird, Elmo and their friend from China, Hu Hu Zhu, take viewers on a journey of discovery to learn about the Big Dipper, the North Star, the Sun and the Moon. Appropriate for ages 3-6 years old.

"Cosmic Colors"
Feb. 23, 7 p.m., plus stargazing*
March 16, 7 p.m., plus stargazing*
April 13, 7 p.m., plus stargazing*

Discover the reasons for color, such as why the sky is blue, grass is green, and Mars is red. Travel inside a plant leaf and inside the human eye on a journey across the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Appropriate for ages 8 years old to adult.

Special Lecture: "Update from Mars"
March 16, 5:30 p.m.
April 13, 5:30 p.m.

Dr. Thomas Oberst, Westminster College assistant professor of physics and director of the planetarium, will present the latest news and discoveries of the Mars Curiosity Rover, as well as a brief history of the exploration of the red planet. Appropriate for teens and adults.

Oberst, who has been with Westminster since 2008, earned an undergraduate degree from Duquesne University and master's and Ph.D. from Cornell University.

The Westminster College Planetarium is a 45-seat domed theater housed in the Hoyt Science Resources Center near the intersection of Maple Street and Westminster Drive. The planetarium offers free multimedia astronomy shows during the academic year (Sept. - April). K-12 classes, scouts, and other interested groups are encouraged to contact the planetarium to schedule private, customized shows.

Dr. Thomas Oberst, assistant professor of physics and director of planetarium