BYU-Idaho's Planetarium has a new show this month focused on the Hidden Universe.
The planetarium, located in the George S. Romney Building and sponsored by the Department of Physics at BYU-Idaho, offers opportunities to explore the universe with public and private shows for both students and the community.
Leah Walquist, who helps operate the planetarium, says the shows they put on are neat because we can’t observe much of what is going on in space.
“Everything we have is photos and so the way that we have those computer-generated videos we’re able to have an actual observation of the things that are being talked about and it’s a really good visualization,” Walquist said.
Shows at the planetarium are every Thursday, except in between semesters. Each show has a theme. This month’s is the Hidden Universe and next month will be Birth of Planet Earth.
Walquist recommends attendees arrive early before the shows.
“We have the show starts at 7, so you could show up at 6:55 and then find out that there are no more tickets. And that’s one thing that could happen and that’s usually what happens. So, my general suggestion is always to come in about 30 minutes before,” Walquist said.
According to its website, tickets for the planetarium go on sale at 6:30 p.m. at the door on a first-come, first-served basis. After the first show, two more shows take place, so those that miss the first showing will have another chance to see the show.
Up to 40 people can attend the planetarium shows at a time.
Most shows last between 30-45 minutes.
Walquist says the shows change with the season.
“And so the show will change month to month, because in spring there are different constellations you can see than in winter, which I think is actually really neat because if you see the same show 6 months apart, then the first 15 minutes is completely different,” Walquist said.
For more information about the planetarium, go online to its website.
To book a private showing for a group, contact Jennifer Brizzee at brizzeej@byui.edu or by calling 208-496-3126.