Planetarium Programs Announced for Fall Semester
Posted on Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Dr. Thomas Oberst, director of the Westminster College planetarium, announced the schedule of programs for the fall semester.
Oberst will present a special lecture on "The Search for Extrasolar Planets" Thursday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. Stargazing will follow on the rooftop, weather permitting.
Special lectures are presentations on scientific topics intended for those interested in learning more of the technical details of scientific research, rather than those seeking the entertainment value of the typical planetarium show.
Dr. Marosh Furimsky, Westminster assistant professor of biology, will host the biology-themed Natural Selection viewing Saturdays, Sept. 24 and Nov. 19. Both days will feature three viewing times: 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.
Oberst will give a special lecture on "Black Holes" Thursday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. Rooftop stargazing will follow, weather permitting.
The program will follow a Halloween theme Saturday, Oct. 29, with "Secret of the Cardboard Rocket," suitable for children over age five and their parents, at 5:30 p.m. and "Black Holes," suitable for ages 10 and older, at 7:30 p.m. Stargazing will follow both viewings, weather permitting.
"Mystery of the Christmas Star" will be shown Thursday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 10, at 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. With the exception of the 4 p.m. viewing, rooftop stargazing will follow each program, weather permitting.
The programs are free and open to the public. However, reservations are necessary due to limited seating. Reservations, including private showings for larger groups, can be made by contacting Westminster's Physics Department at (724) 946-7200 Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m-4:30 p.m., emailing, or completing the online form.
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