VSU Planetarium Presents 'Two Small Pieces of Glass'

VALDOSTA -- The Valdosta State University Planetarium will present ‘Two Small Pieces of Glass’ at 8 and 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4, in Nevins Hall 3004. This will be the second public planetarium show of the 2011-2012 season.

This program highlights the use of telescopes to examine celestial objects using a newly installed planetarium projector. The show builds upon the International Year of Astronomy as recognition of the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s publication of his telescopic observations. Through his small telescope, using only two small pieces of glass, he saw craters on the moon, moons orbiting Jupiter and the phases of Venus.

Dr. Martha Leake will guide participants through the night skies of November and explain some astronomical events using the planetarium. Individuals will also be able to see the craters of the moon, the satellites of Jupiter and the phases of Venus on the observatory deck with the assistance of the astronomy faculty and students, weather permitting.

This planetarium program is suitable for viewers ages five and up. Seating is first come first serve and limited to 47 people. The telescopes of the observatory will be available before and after each planetarium program if the skies are clear.

For more information, please contact the Department of Physics, Astronomy and Geosciences at 229-333-5752.