Cosmic adventures return this fall to MCC planetarium
McHenry County College invites the community to explore the wonders of outer space with a series of upcoming shows in their state-of-the-art planetarium.
The first show, “Unseen Universe,” will be held 6-7 p.m. Friday, September 26. The show features the Event Horizon Telescope and the first image of a black hole ever captured — providing a glimpse into the Universe far beyond our human senses.
Later that day, “Worlds Beyond Earth” will take audiences on an exhilarating adventure from 7:30—8:30 p.m. Viewers will tour our cosmic neighborhood, including a landing on the cratered surface of the moon, a dramatic flight through the swirling rings of Saturn, and soaring encounters with distant worlds of active volcanoes and buried oceans.
On Saturday, Sept. 27, the planetarium will show “Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival” from 10-11 a.m. and again from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The show will take attendees on a journey through time where they will get to know the dinosaurs and the Earth as it was in the very distant past.
Next month, get ready for spooky season with Halloween Celestial Origins on Friday, Oct. 24 from 6-7 p.m., 7:30-8:30 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Attendees will learn the history of Halloween and how it fits into the seasons as a “cross-quarter day.” Viewers will also explore the night sky and learn what planets, constellations, and stars will be out on your Halloween evening.
Other upcoming shows include “Birth of Planet Earth” on Nov. 21 (6-7 p.m.), “National Parks Adventure” on Nov. 21 (7:30-8:30 p.m.), “Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival” on Oct. 25 (10-11 a.m.) and Nov. 22 (10-11 a.m.), “Perfect Little Planet” on Nov. 22 (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), and a series of holiday-themed shows in December. Full descriptions of each show can be viewed at mchenry .edu/planetarium.
Each show is open to the public and costs $17.85 per person ($12.51 for students). Space is limited to 45 people per show. All shows are appropriate for children. Reservations are required and can be made at mchenry.edu/planetarium.