IRSC Hallstrom Planetarium Kids Space Brochure 2022-2023

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SKYWATCH

Hosted by IRSC Planetarium Director Jon U. Bell (jbell@irsc.edu) Listen to one-minute updates of the sky and astronomy on WQCS 88.9 FM National Public Radio at 6:40 and 8:40 a.m., and 11:59 a.m., and on WQCP 91.5 FM at 7:59 a.m. and 12:59 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Hallstrom Planetarium Presents 2022-2023 Season

ABOUT THE HALLSTROM PLANETARIUM The Hallstrom Planetarium features a 360-degree immersive digital full-dome projection system and a state-of-the-art Spitz model 5-12 star projector. It recreates the sky, sun, moon and planets among the stars on the 40-foot domed planetarium ceiling. The air temperature is maintained at 72 degrees. You may wish to bring a sweater or light jacket.

2022–2023 Starlight Series

Public planetarium shows are presented Fridays at 7:00 and 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 1:00 and 2:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Tickets are only $5.00 except where noted.

Open House (Free Event) Saturday, October 1 • 6:00 –9:00 p.m.

Space Songs, The Musical!

February 10, 11, 24, 25; March 10, 11

Red Planet Rising October 7, 8, 21, 22; November 4, 5

STEAM Talk: The Friendly Robot—The Modern Planetarium (Free Event) Saturday, March 25 • 6:00 p.m.

Star of Wonder—30th Anniversary December 2, 3, 9, 10 Yuletides Saturday, December 17 • 2:00 & 7:00 p.m.

Tickets $15.00 each Astronomy Day (Free Event) Saturday, January 28 • 3:00–9:00 p.m.

Forward to the Moon April 22; May 12, 13, 26, 27 STEAM Talk: Pythagoras and the Music of the Spheres (Free Event) Saturday, June 10 • 6:00 p.m.

Learn About Astronomy

Consider joining an amateur telescope group! The Treasure Coast Astronomical Society meets at the IRSC Brinkley Science Center on the IRSC Massey Campus at 7:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month, except December.

Visit www.treasurecoastastronomy.org.

Indian River State College Brinkley Science Center 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, Florida

www.irsc.edu • 1-866-792-4772 IRSC is an EA/EO educational institution.

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Indian River State College Hallstrom Planetarium

Indian River State College Hallstrom Planetarium

Indian River State College Hallstrom Planetarium

WELCOME TO KID SPACE! Join us at 11:00 a.m. on select Saturdays as we take children ages 4 to 12 on scientific voyages of discovery to learn about the stars, constellations, moon, planets and exploration of outer space.

• Have FUN learning about astronomy.

• See the stars and constellations.

• Visit the Planetarium console to ask questions.

• Get your FREE Astronomy Trading Card!

2022: October 8, 22; November 5; December 3, 10

Each Kid Space program devotes time to showing children the current evening sky, stars, constellations and any planets that are visible before midnight. In autumn, we showcase such constellations as Pegasus, Cassiopeia and Andromeda. In winter, we point out Orion the Hunter, Taurus the Bull, the Big and Little Dogs and the Gemini. In spring, we talk about the Big Dipper, Leo the Lion and the Big and Little Bears in the sky. Learning the names of the stars and recognizing the constellations is not difficult, but it takes time. With that knowledge, families can locate some of the things we talk about in the evening sky!

2023: February 11, 25; March 11; April 22: May 13, 27

Classroom Field Trips

2022–2023 Season

Tickets are $5 per person. All adults must be accompanied by a child. Purchase Kid Space tickets in person at the IRSC Box Office, by phone or onlline at irsc. edu using your Visa, Discover, American Express or Mastercard.

Seating is limited. Purchase your tickets early! If seats are still available, tickets maybe purchased at the Planetarium entrance at the time of the performance.

Free Planetarium shows are available October through May during school hours to K-12 public, private and home school classes from Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties. Programs are available to other school or community groups of 40 or more for a fee.

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 772-462-7503.

IRSC Box Office Hours

Monday–Friday, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

3209 Virginia Avenue • Fort Pierce, FL 34981 772-462-4750 or 1-800-220-9915

Buying a Telescope You Can Use

Before you buy a telescope, decide if you want to take astrophotos or if a simple “point and look” instrument is all you need.

Binoculars attached to a camera tripod for steady viewing are usually the best choice for beginners. They give slightly magnified views, preventing the beginner from getting “lost in the stars.” They are lightweight, durable and inexpensive.

There are two basic kinds of optical telescopes, ranging in price from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.

Refractors use a lens to gather light, are lightweight and portable and are often sold in department stores or hobby shops.

Reflectors use a mirror to gather light, are larger and less portable, but give comparable views and cost a lot less. They can be purchased directly from telescope companies online.

Cheaply-built telescopes are frustrating to use; good-quality telescopes can provide many nights of enhanced star-gazing. Talk to the Planetarium Director or your local astronomy club before you buy!

Skywatching Tips VERY IMPORTANT: have permission to be at the place you choose.

• Make certain there are no dangers in your observing location. Check for fences, holes, fire ants, alligators and other hazards. Stay away from roads and traffic.

• Let people know where you are, and take at least one other trusted adult with you for safety.

• Know the compass directions at your observing site.

• Get away from bright street lights and house lights that can keep you from seeing the stars.

• Take a flashlight so that you can see where you are walking. Turn it off when you are ready to observe.

• Use insect repellent, and carry a jacket or sweater for warmth.

• Wear long-sleeve shirts and full-length trousers for protection against brush and insects.

• Wear comfortable socks and shoes.

• Wear light, reflective clothing if you walk near the road.

• Bring a reclining lounge chair to reduce neck strain.

• Bring binoculars for looking at the moon, planets, star clusters or nebulae.

• Bring beverages and light snacks.

• Give yourself time to enjoy the night sky.