UW Planetarium Reopens After Technical Issues Resolved

After the University of Wyoming Harry C. Vaughan Planetarium closed for three weeks due to technical issues, the venue has reopened and will pick up its July schedule.

Additionally, the planetarium will have a limited run of programs in early August before it closes for previously planned renovations.

"We are excited to announce that our technical issues have been resolved, and we are getting ready to resume programs for the coming weeks, starting July 18," says Max Gilbraith, the planetarium's coordinator. "We will close again from Aug. 5-14 to install our brand-new 4K laser projectors."

To get tickets or receive more information about programs, email [email protected] or leave a voicemail and a call-back phone number at (307) 766-6506. Tickets are $5 for the public or online tickets, and $3 for students, senior citizens, veterans, first responders and those under 18. Seating is free for children under 5. Bulk tickets/gift cards are available at $2 each when 10 or more tickets are purchased.

Reservations or pre-purchase is not required, and walk-ins are welcome. Tickets can be purchased online with a credit card, reserved by email or voicemail, or purchased at the start of the show. Cash or check is accepted at the door. The planetarium, which seats 64, is in the basement of the Physical Sciences Building. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis outside of designated ADA/wheelchair seating.

To pay for tickets with a credit card, go to https://www.uwyo.edu/uwplanetarium/ticket.aspx. For a group larger than six, email the planetarium for a private show at https://uwyo.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bKuqIynOn7gFK2F. Tickets for private shows are the same as the public programs.

A film and special live talk for audiences will be featured each week. All programs are approximately an hour in length. As time allows, a portion of the show also may focus on a live sky tour or supporting information related to the film's topic.

For the remainder of the July schedule, go here.

The August schedule is:

-- Thursday, Aug. 1, 4-7 p.m.: "Dome Club." Learn about immersive technologies for augmented reality, virtual reality, extended reality and full-dome development. All are welcome to bring their own projects and technologies to test and demonstrate. This activity takes place at the SciDIY Makerspace in the basement of the Physical Sciences Building. For more information, email Jane Crayton at [email protected].

-- Friday, Aug. 2, 7 p.m.: "Remote Sensing: Eyes in the Sky." NASA defines remote sensing as obtaining information about an object from a distance. From satellites to drones, our eyes in the sky are used to learn about our planet and how it changes over time. Discover the history and future of this growing area of research and the many ways it is being used around the world and beyond. This program was rescheduled from July 12.

-- Saturday, Aug. 3, 2 p.m.: "Distant Worlds: Alien Life," a full-dome movie. This film takes viewers on a journey outward to see what it takes for life to develop, starting with life on Earth and moving out to the rest of the solar system and on to alien planets that orbit distant stars in the galaxy.

-- Saturday, Aug. 3, 7 p.m.: "Liquid Sky: Retro Hits," a music-based light show. Enjoy a custom playlist of "out-of-this-world" music from top artists in genres of rock, indie, pop, electronic and more in 5.1 surround sound. The 4K-resolution planetarium sky will become a canvas of color, patterns and movement with cutting-edge music visualization software and live VJ talent.

For more detailed descriptions of these programs, go to www.uwyo.edu/physics/planetarium/schedule.html.