The Illinois State University Planetarium will offer its holiday show Season of Light, running weekends from December 2 through December 17. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays at 2 p.m.
Season of Light is narrated by National Public Radio’s Noah Adams. The show recounts the historical, religious, and cultural rituals surrounding the coming of winter and the shortest day of the year—the winter solstice.
This full-dome show explores not only Christian and Jewish, but also Egyptian, Roman, Pagan, Celtic, Nordic, and Hopi practices. Season of Light also looks at some of our more light-hearted seasonal traditions, from kissing under the mistletoe to songs about lords a-leaping and ladies dancing.
After each program, we point out highlights found in the current evening sky. These include the bright stars, constellations, and planets currently visible from Central Illinois.
Admission to the Illinois State University Planetarium is $5 for adults; $4 for children ages 5-12, seniors, and ISU ID holders; and $3 for children ages 3-4. Cash or checks only. Tickets may be purchased in the ISU Planetarium Gift Shop, next to the Planetarium, beginning 20 minutes before each show. Seating is limited.
The ISU Planetarium is located in the Felmley Hall of Science Annex, at the intersection of College Avenue and School Street, in Normal. Free parking is available a short distance from the ISU Planetarium in University parking lot F-67, on the east side of School Street.
For more information, please call the ISU Planetarium’s Skyline at (309) 438-5007 or visit the Planetarium website.
