The Illinois State University Planetarium is excited to present Unveiling the Invisible Universe, running weekends January 26-March 2. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays.
Regular admission to the ISU Planetarium is $7 for adults; $6 for children ages 5-12, seniors, and ISU ID holders; and $5 for children ages 3-4. Cash or checks only. Tickets may be purchased next to the Planetarium beginning 20 minutes before each show. Seating is limited.
For thousands of years, we viewed the light of the stars with our naked eyes. However, in the early 17th Century, the invention of the telescope revolutionized our knowledge of the Universe. Then, in the 20th Century with the advent of rockets, it became possible to travel above our Earth’s atmosphere. Now astronomers can observe x-rays and gamma rays from the surrounding hot, violent universe.
Yet, not only light gives us information about the cosmos. Neutrinos and cosmic rays also provide vital information, and recently we have begun to detect gravitational waves from the merger of black holes. This opens an entirely new window in astrophysics.
Unveiling the Invisible Universe takes you on a visual journey from naked eye astronomy through today’s groundbreaking discoveries. This full-dome show is an adventure that you don’t want to miss!
After Unveiling the Invisible Universe, we delve into moon phases and eclipses, with an emphasis on the upcoming April 8 solar eclipse, visible across America. We then explore many of the highlights found in the current evening sky, including the bright stars, constellations, and planets currently visible from Central Illinois.
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, including bringing a school group to the Planetarium, please call us at (309) 438-2496.
