Barton Planetarium to present full-dome movies and live presentations

January 27, 2016
Story by Joe Vinduska
Photo by Brandon Steinert

The Barton Planetarium will feature movies utilizing the full-dome projection system throughout the spring semester.  The Planetarium is located in the Science Building. Enter through the sliding doors on the north side.  Admission is free.

Each movie will be followed by a live presentation by Barton’s Planetarium Director Dr. Tim Folkerts. The presentations will feature a tour of the night sky, hands-on activities or actual outdoor stargazing.  

Shows run from 7-8 p.m. on the following dates:

2/1/16 – The Cowboy Astronomer – The video will provide a skillfully woven tapestry of star tales and Native American legends, combined with constellation identification, star-hopping and astronomy tidbits — all told from the unique viewpoint of a cowboy astronomer who has traveled the world plying his trade and learning the sky along the way. At the end of the movie, attendees will look at some of the stars and constellations visible from Kansas at this time of year.

2/8/16 – The Smartphone Astronomer – Attendees are encouraged to bring a smartphone or tablet (either Android or iOS) and learn to use astronomy apps. By the end of the evening, they will be able to find stars, planets and satellites in the night sky.  App users will have access to news and information from NASA. There will also be low-tech options such as cardstock star charts people can build and take with them.

2/15/16 – Telescopes – The video will trace the history of the telescope from Galileo's first simple telescope, which he built using two small pieces of glass, to the launch of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and beyond.  Following the video, the group will learn about some of Barton’s telescopes. Weather permitting, the group will take one or two telescopes outside (and those who bring a smartphone, will be able to take their own pictures of the moon).

2/22/16 – Solar System Tour – The group will take a virtual tour of our solar system, visiting the far-flung planets and moons that make up the solar system.  Audience members will help fly our virtual spaceship as they learn about our various fascinating destinations.

2/29/16 – Learn about Life - For a change of pace, attendees will explore biology. The video “Lucy's Cradle, the Birth of Wonder,” will chronicle the early developments of early hominids along the East African Rift Valley and follows the spread of humans around the globe. The video “The Body Code” will allow attendees to explore the eye, brain, ear and heart from an internal view and will then be able to shrink into a cell to see its nucleus and DNA within.

3/7/16 – Our Moon – The video will be a detailed look at the Earth’s closest neighbor; the moon.

The Planetarium received major upgrades in the past two years including a digital projector and enhanced sound equipment. For more information, please contact Planetarium Director Dr. Tim Folkerts at folkertst@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9320.