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A planetarium is a domed theater in which a realistic and scientifically-accurate simulation of the night sky is created, using a highly-specialized "star projector." With this projector, the movement and relative positions of the Sun, the Moon, and the five naked-eye planets can also be shown against the stars. As the state's oldest, our planetarium has entertained and enlightened over a half a million people. Find out more about Evansville's own and the wonderful programs it hosts.


CLOUDS OF FIRE
DETAILS THE ORIGIN OF STARS

Presented in partnership with
THE ALLEN GRAY CEMETARY TRUST

"Twinkle, twinkle, little star. How I wonder what you are …” The questions that we asked from our youngest days have intrigued humans for thousands of years. What is a star? Are all the stars the same? How do stars shine? Continuing through May 31, CLOUDS OF FIRE: THE ORIGIN OF STARS” explores the intriguing connection between the formation of stars and everything in the Universe. Made possible in partnership with the THE ALLEN GRAY CEMETARY TRUST, our feature show will be presented in the Koch Planetarium Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

The origin of the Universe and its primary visual component—the stars—have fascinated astronomers throughout history. Scientists tell us the size of a star has considerable impact on how long it lives. A star’s color is also an indicator of how hot it is. Using these two criteria, much can be learned from a careful examination of the myriad of stars in the night sky.

“CLOUDS OF FIRE” explores the cycle of star birth and death and the inner workings of star cluster formations that lead to the formation of stars out of clouds of dust and gas. Over five billion years ago, our own solar system was formed out of such dust. The planets, sun, comets, asteroids and even the atoms and molecules of living things all had their origin in the stars.

Admission to the Koch Planetarium is free to Museum Members with the presentation of a valid Membership card.
Showtimes
Saturday & Sunday 1 p.m.
Presented through May 31



Also Showing In The Koch Planetarium
The Sky Tonight

Showtimes
Saturday & Sunday 3 p.m.

Admission: Adults $3 Children $2
"The Sky Tonight”, our “live” presentation detailing “what’s up” in the evening sky. This traditional star show examines bright stars, constellations, visible planets, the moon the winter constellations typically seen during this time of the year.


Admission to the Koch Planetarium is free to Members
with the presentation of a valid membership card.


Future Shows

Bad Astronomy June 6 – August 23

Explorers of Mauna Kea August 29 – November 29

Season of Light December 5 – January 3, 2010


New Immersive Theater Coming in 2011


Planetarium History





Institutional Member


EVANSVILLE MUSEUM
411 S.E. Riverside Drive
Evansville, Indiana 47713-1098
Phone: (812) 425-2406
Fax: (812) 421-7509