Arts & Sciences

Moon & Sun Watchers: Big Telescopes & Free Tickets!

On Saturday, June 11, Northern Kentucky University’s Haile Digital Planetarium will team up with the Cold Spring Branch of the Campbell County Library to present Moon & Sun Watchers: Big Telescopes & Free Tickets!  Join NKU astronomy faculty and planetarium staff at the library from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. for activities and presentations and then join us at the planetarium for free viewings of Earth, Moon, Sun beginning at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.  

This is a great opportunity to learn about telescopes, the sun, the Summer Solstice, the universe and much more!  Telescopes will be set up outside the front entrance of the library. You'll be able to safely observe the sun, see sunspots and flares and find out how different parts of the sun's structure are visible at different colours or wavelengths of light. You'll learn how telescopes work and how to select one to purchase for your personal use. Spend as much or as little time as you would like. At times the sun puts on shows that change over a period of hours. You might consider spending enough time to see something unexpected!

If it is cloudy there will still be plenty of things to see and to do! For bad weather, we will move into the library's meeting room and set up the telescopes there. The planetarium shows will run, no matter the weather.

The entire event is free of charge and will be enjoyable for the entire family.  Those participating in the activities at the library will receive tickets for Earth, Moon, Sun.  If you are interested in only the planetarium show at NKU, please contact Community Connections at 859.572.5600 or connect@nku.edu to reserve your seats. 

Earth, Moon, Sun is a production of NKU and was voted best full-dome presentation at the 2009 conference of the Digistar planetariums.  The show is a look at the earth, moon and sun system and how it has influenced life on earth. Watch as the moon forms, visit places that could be the origin of life, learn about the phases of the Moon and seasons and see eclipses.

NKU’s Haile Digital Planetarium opened in 2007 and is the home of the world's first Laser projection planetarium for classroom use. It is used by the Department of Physics and Geology for astronomy classes and is dedicated to outreach programs for local schools and community organizations. The planetarium in conjunction with Community Connections has hosted thousands of P-12 students and adults.

Check out calendar page for more special shows.