According to a recent release from the University of Wyoming, their Harry C. Vaughan Planetarium will delve into the mystery of black holes and dark matter in the new year.

Max Gilbraith, the planetarium’s coordinator. says, “in January, we will resume the regular planetarium schedule January 13 with ‘Black Holes’ after a special January 6 show from Dr. Chip Kobulnicky, who will reprise ‘Star of the Magi.’”

A film and a special live talk for audiences will be featured each week. All programs are approximately an hour in length. As time allows, a portion of the show also may focus on a live sky tour or supporting information related to the film’s topic.

The January schedule

Friday, January 6, 8 p.m. “Star of the Magi.”

Learn about the heavens, wonder, and speculate with Kobulnicky, an astronomer and a UW professor of physics and astronomy, as he presents some of the celestial possibilities that may underlie the storied “star that rose in the East” that led the magi to the birthplace of Jesus.

Friday, January 13, 8 p.m. “Black Holes.”

Are black holes nature’s mistakes or portals to the unknown? Physics allows speculation about the nature of these bizarre structures, but astronomers are taking a closer look at these mysterious and fascinating objects.

Saturday, January 14, 2 p.m. “The Hot and Energetic Universe,” a full-dome movie.

Enjoy a film that will explore the achievements of modern astronomy; the most advanced terrestrial and orbital observatories; the basic principles of electromagnetic radiation; and the natural phenomena related to high-energy astrophysics.

Saturday, January 14, 8 p.m. “Liquid Sky: Women Who Rock,” a music-based light show.

The program will feature a custom playlist of “out-of-this-world” music from top artists in genres of rock, indie, pop, electronic, and more in 5.1 surround sound. The 4K-resolution planetarium sky will become a canvas of color, patterns, and movement with cutting-edge music visualization software and live VJ talent.

Tuesday, January 17, 8 p.m. “Wyoming Skies.”

The program provides an exploration of the stars, constellations, planets, meteor showers, and other celestial phenomena visible from Wyoming for the season.

Friday, January 20, 8 p.m. “Mars.”

This program will discuss recent discoveries from the Red Planet and its ability to support life.

 Saturday, January 21, 2 p.m. “Dark Matter Mystery,” a full-dome movie.

Dark matter is a theoretical form of invisible mass, which is believed to be present in galaxies, but it has never been seen or detected. This film takes the audience on the biggest quest of contemporary astrophysics: solving the dark matter mystery.

Saturday, January 21, 8 p.m. “Liquid Sky: Pop,” a music-based light show.

The program will feature a custom playlist of “out-of-this-world” music from top artists in genres of rock, indie, pop, electronic, and more in 5.1 surround sound. The 4K-resolution planetarium sky will become a canvas of color, patterns, and movement with cutting-edge music visualization software and live VJ talent.

Friday, January 27, 8 p.m. “Astrobiology.”

The search for extraterrestrial life continues as scientists scour the solar system for signs of ancient or modern signs of life; radio telescopes listen for signs; and next-generation telescopes explore the planets of other star systems.

Saturday, January 28, 2 p.m. “Distant Worlds: Alien Life?” a full-dome movie.

This film explores one of the most enduring questions of humankind: Are we alone?

Saturday, January 28, 8 p.m. “Liquid Sky: Electronica,” a music-based light show.

The program will feature a custom playlist of “out-of-this-world” music from top artists in genres of rock, indie, pop, electronic, and more in 5.1 surround sound. The 4K-resolution planetarium sky will become a canvas of color, patterns, and movement with cutting-edge music visualization software and live VJ talent.

Tuesday, January 31, 8 p.m. “Wyoming Skies.”

The program provides an exploration of the stars, constellations, planets, meteor showers, and other celestial phenomena visible from Wyoming for the season.

Ticket Information

Tickets price

  • $5 for the public
  • $3 for students, senior citizens, veterans, first responders, and those under 18
  • Free for children under 5

Reservations or pre-purchases are not required, and walk-ins are welcome. Tickets can be purchased online with a credit card, reserved by email or voicemail, or purchased at the start of the show. Cash or check is accepted at the door.

The planetarium seats 58 and is in the basement of the Physical Sciences Building. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis outside of designated ADA/wheelchair seating.

To pay for tickets with a credit card, go to https://www.uwyo.edu/uwplanetarium/ticket.aspx.

For a group larger than six, email the planetarium for a private show at https://uwyo.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bKuqIynOn7gFK2F.

Tickets for private shows are the same as the public programs.

For more detailed descriptions of the programs, go to www.uwyo.edu/physics/planetarium/schedule.html.

To get tickets or receive more information about programs, email planetarium@uwyo.edu or leave a voicemail and a call-back phone number at (307) 766-6506.

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