By Victoria Cruz
News Writer
The university Planetarium, located in Morrill Hall, has officially reopened with a brand-new catalogue of shows. Each Wednesday, the Planetarium will debut a new 30-minute show, starting at 12:15 p.m.
The program creates an opportunity for students to engage with educational material in an exciting and immersive way.
“The show was spectacular. The visuals of the planets, stars and nebulae were absolutely stunning,” music major Jack Flanagan, a junior, said.
The Planetarium has long served as a resource for both students and faculty interested in astronomy and earth sciences.
As an educational tool, the combination of visual storytelling with scientific information makes complex topics easier to understand.
For many students, the experience offers a rare opportunity to explore astronomy in a handson way without leaving campus.
The platform programming comes from a range of global producers, and this content has a longstanding history of being financially unattainable for small venues.
Thanks to the work of the earth sciences department and Physics Professor and Admin Department Technician Eric Anderson, the Planetarium secured 10 new shows.
This provided a major boost to their programming variety. The first show in the series explores the origins of the universe, covering topics such as the Sun’s life cycle and eventual fate, planetary features and Earth’s unique composition.
Attendees can expect a blend of science, spectacle and some unexpected entertainment not originally intended for planetarium screenings.
Anderson has also encouraged students to request programs of interest, helping make the Planetarium an engaging and enjoyable experience for everyone.
As a result, the weekly showings will extend beyond traditional astronomy content.
The Planetarium will feature science fiction, nature films and audience-driven selections.
Faculty members hope the shows will spark interest in astronomy and physical sciences.
For students who may not normally take physics or astronomy courses, the Planetarium offers an accessible introduction to those subject areas.
The Planetarium is both an educational resource and a community space. From the origins of the Big Bang to the mysteries of black holes and the story of evolution, it invites visitors of all ages to explore, learn and be inspired.
Students in attendance for the first screening of the semester expressed excitement for the initiative and are looking forward to what the future has in store for the space.
“The Planetarium experience was very cool. A hidden gem, and I’m excited that I went. I will be back, and I’m looking forward to it,” business management major Eric Wischow, a senior, said.
Organizers hope the weekly events will encourage students from all majors to attend.
Because the shows are short and scheduled during the day, they provide a convenient opportunity for students to stop by between classes and experience something new.
Students are highly encouraged to contribute ideas and requests for programming, by reaching out directly to Eric Anderson at andersone1@southernct.edu.
With new content rolling in and an open door policy for audience input, the space is designed to be a lively hub for communal discovery.
