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Hartnell College Planetarium Public Programs


Friday Public Star Shows for Spring 2012


Start your weekend out by taking in a star show at Hartnell College's J. Frederic Ching Planetarium.
Enjoy exciting full dome immersive imagery and the relaxing sight of a starry night sky as produced by
the Konica Minolta Mediaglobe. Our programs will inform and entertain curious minds.
Doors open 15 minutes before show time. Be sure to arrive early for the best seats. NO LATE SEATING

Friday Kids Shows at 5:30 serve up family friendly programming geared for PreK through third grade.
Admission for Friday Kids Shows is $5 for all seats. Children 3 and under are admitted free.

Our Friday Evening Programs at 7pm are geared for more general audiences.
The cost for Friday Evening Shows is $6 for General Admission, $4 for Students, Seniors, and Military


Please call the Planetarium Hotline at 770-6161
to make reservations and for further information.
Cash or check payment accepted at the door.

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February 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th


Kids Show (5:30pm) - "Legends of the Night Sky: Orion"

This show brings the mythological Orion to life in a fun-filled, animated adventure.
Accompanied by narrators Aesop the owl and Socrates the mouse, we follow Orion’s adventures
as he grows to manhood, battles mythical beasts, foils the plot of an evil king and wins the heart
of Artemis, the beautiful moon-goddess. By the end of the story, we learn how the constellation Orion
was placed in the sky, forever turning overhead throughout the seasons.


Friday Evening Program (7:00pm) - "Natural Selection"

This beautiful fulldome program expands the scope of typical planetariums shows.
"Natural Selection" introduces audiences to the ideas of English naturalist Charles Darwin.
Experience the thrill of scientific discovery with Darwin and go on an adventurous voyage
aboard the H.M.S. Beagle, exploring the beauty of nature on the Galapagos Islands.
The show features striking imagery of natural scenery and creatures from the ocean to the land.
Recommended for mature 4th graders and up.
Produced by Mirage 3D.


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March 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th


Kids Show (5:30pm) - "The Little Star That Could"

An average yellow star goes out into the universe. He meets and finds out
that stars are different and special. Could he be special too?



Friday Evening Program (7:00pm) - "Tales of the Maya Skies"

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Chichén Itzá, Mexico, the seventh wonder of the modern world.
Listen to the story of the ancient Maya civilization. Experience Tales of the Maya Skies.
With unprecedented realism Tales of the Maya Skies immerses us in Maya science, art,
and mythology, using fulldome digital technology to transport us back into the world
of the Maya. "Tales of the Maya Skies" inspires and educates through its description of
the Maya’s accurate astronomical achievements and how astronomy connected them to the Universe.
Produced by Chabot Science and Space Center


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April 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th


Kids Show (5:30pm) - "Don't Duck, Look Up!"

This program portrays the animals on the farm as they, with help from the audience,
teach a young duckling about what to look for in both the daytime and nighttime sky.
The show is a fun and very gentle introduction to the planetarium environment.


Friday Evening Program (7:00pm) - "Two Small Pieces of Glass"

Produced to recognize the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first telescopic observations,
this program reviews the history of discoveries made possible by the use of the telescope.
Review major milestones of discovery and see how technological improvements to this instrument
will ultimately lead to answering even more profound questions about our place in the universe.


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May 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th


Kids Show (5:30pm) - "Wilbear's Adventure"

Wilbear the teddy bear wants to fly. Learn about the Wright Brothers,
the history of human flight and find out if Wilbear gets his wish.


Friday Evening Program (7:00pm) - "Astronaut"

The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken.
What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? What does it take to
become an astronaut? This program takes you from Earth into space…and beyond.
Experience a rocket launch from inside the body of an astronaut. Explore the amazing worlds
of inner and outer space, from floating around the International Space Station to
maneuvering through microscopic regions of the human body. Discover the perils that lurk
in space as we subject our test astronaut, to everything the environment of space has to throw at him.
Produced by the National Space Centre

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Other Public Events include:

Date TBD - Open House and Star Party
May 19 - Family Science and Health Day - Annual Free Community Outreach Event

For information on these events, see our "Special Events" page

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School Shows
www.hartnell.edu/planetarium/school

Teachers, expand your students’ learning experience with
a field trip to our planetarium. Our star theater has
comfortable seating for 45 people, with an absolute maximum
capacity of 60, including chaperones. You must arrange
additional showings to accommodate groups larger than 60.

We offer age appropriate programming for all grade levels,
from pre-schoolers on up. A sky tour by a live presenter
supplements information in entertaining and informative
prerecorded shows. Custom presentations and additional
activities can be added with prior arrangement. See our
web site for a list of programming options.

School Programs are available at 9:45am, 11am and 12:30pm
on most Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from
January 22nd through May 29th.


Check for available dates and times online at:
www.hartnell.edu/planetarium/calendar.
Other slots may be made available by special request.
Show reservations may be made by calling 831 755-6913.

Fees
Cost for our school program is as follows:
$120 for 45 minutes (Pre-school and Kintergarten)
$135 for 55 minutes (Grades 1 – 3)
$135 for 60 minutes (Grades 4 and up)
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Rent the Stars
The planetarium is available one Saturday each month for
party rentals. Our basic 2 hour party package includes
an hour-long planetarium program and the additional use of
a reception room for food and refreshments, all for $225.


Children’s parties are limited to no more than 25 guests,
and there must be active adult supervision at the rate of
one assigned adult for every 5 children.

Take advantage of this unique venue for your next party, meeting,
or special event.

Available Saturday dates for
fall are 9/13, 10/11, 11/8 and 12/13.

Longer rentals, custom presentations and other dates may be possible
for an additional charge. Please call to make arrangements
as far in advance as possible.

Contact Planetarium Educator Andy Kreyche at 831 755-6913 for more details.


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