Planetarium presents Season of Light
Monday, December 5, 2016 2:00 AM
News
Pittsburg, KS
The L. Russell Kelce Planetarium at Pittsburg State University will host a special December program on December 5, 6 and 14 in honor of the holiday season. “Season of Light,” a program about the coldest and darkest of seasons, will run at 7 p.m. on Dec. 5, and at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. each of the remaining nights.
"Season of Light", narrated by Noah Adams, traces 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. Those include not only Christian and Jewish traditions, but also those from Celtic, Nordic, Roman, Irish, Mexican and Hopi history. It also takes a look at some of our more light-hearted seasonal traditions, from gift-giving and kissing under the mistletoe, to songs about lords a-leaping and ladies dancing, and the custom of decking the halls with greenery and candles. St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus all drop by as well.
In addition to “Season of Light,” each presentation also includes a tour of the December sky.
Admission is $3 per adult and $2 for students, children and seniors. Cash only is accepted at the door. Programs run less than one hour. Doors close promptly an no one is admitted after the show has begun.
The L. Russell Kelce Planetarium, located at 1702 S. Joplin in Pittsburg, Kan., provides programs for schools, churches, and other groups, as well as public programs. These programs use a Digitarium Zeta projected that is capable of projecting stars, constellations, planets, the sun, the moon (and phases), daily motion of the sky, yearly motion of the sky, and motion to view the sky from any latitude on Earth.
For more information, call the Department of Physics, 620-235-4391.