December 2, 2015
Story by Joe Vinduska
Photo by Brandon Steinert
In conjunction with the Shafer Gallery’s “Holiday Open House,” the Barton Planetarium will show a holiday and winter-inspired full-dome movie every hour from 1-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6.
The movie will begin at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. and there will be live light shows in between each showing starting at 1:40 and 2:40.
The movie is titled “Season of Light,” which will help audiences learn about the history and development of many of the world's most endearing holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter season — from the burning Yule log, sparkling Christmas tree lights and candles in windows, to the lighting of luminarias in the American Southwest and the traditional ritual of the Hanukkah Menorah. The show also recounts the historical religious and cultural rituals practiced during the time of winter solstice — not only Christian and Jewish, but also Celtic, Nordic, Roman, Irish, Mexican and Hopi.
The 66-seat planetarium recently received a massive upgrade with new sound and digital projection equipment. It is located in the college’s Science and Math Building on the north side of campus. Tim Folkerts, the college’s Planetarium director, will host the presentations and will be available to answer questions. Reservations are not required and admission is free. For more information about the Planetarium shows, contact Folkerts, (620) 792-9320.