UM planetarium offers sky shows for all ages

ORONO – The newest star show under the Jordan Planetarium dome features NASA’s most sophisticated planetary probe, Cassini-Huygens and its present target, Saturn. Images are now coming from the ringed planet’s family of moons and rings and they may be enjoyed best on the dome at the University of Maine, 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26.

The Planetarium also offers public showings for young sky watchers in a show called Zubenelgenubi’s Magic Sky at 2 p.m. Sundays. Specially produced for children ages 5-8, the introduction to the sky is a barrel of fun once you learn how to say Zubenelgenubi!

For the holidays this year a new program, Season of Light, features the changing season and the celebrations that have grown up around this especially dark time. With its historic and international flavor, Season of Light is a delight for sky watchers of all ages. Two showings a week will be offered at 7 p.m. Fridays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 3-19.

Admission is $3. Information on current showings is available at umainesky.com and by phone at 581-1341.