Ritter Planetarium and Brooks Observatory : Ritter Planetarium: Public Programs

Each week, Ritter Planetarium features programs for general audiences on Friday evenings at 7:30 PM (8:30 PM in the summer).  Programs for children (all ages welcome) are shown on Saturday afternoons at 1:00 PM from September through May.

On Friday evenings, be sure to arrive early to join us in the theater for some exciting video images and updates from NASA, the Hubble Space Telescope, and more, starting 20 minutes before show time.

Observing at Brooks Observatory will follow each Friday evening general audience program, except on December 4, January 15, January 22, January 29, and February 5, when observing will be held at Ritter Observatory. Observing with the Sunspotter Telescope will follow Saturday afternoon programs. All observing is weather dependent.

Old Lights of Holiday Nights	November 20 - December 18, 2009	Fridays at 7:30 PM
With each passing night, the Sun sets earlier and earlier; our nights get longer, and our days colder. Soon the holiday season will be upon us. On these clear, dark nights we see the same stars our ancestors saw when their solstice celebrations established many of our modern holiday customs. A perfect program for the holidays, Old Lights of Holiday Nights traces the origins of our calendar and our holiday celebrations, and examines how they are both related to the flickering points of light we call the stars.
Santa’s Secret Star	November 21 through December 19, 2009	Saturdays at 1:00 PM
	The night sky is a very big place. It’s easy to get lost among all those stars. Even Santa Claus got lost once. Find out how Santa used the stars to find his way home to the North Pole, and how you can use the stars to find your way around, too! This updated program not only covers the most prominent winter constellations, but also explains seasons and why we have day and night. An annual favorite, Santa's Secret Star also includes a live sky talk and is a perfect way to introduce your children to the planetarium and the night sky.
Ritter Planetarium will be closed from December 25 through January 9. Happy holidays!
Ritter from Dusk to Dawn	January 15 - 29, 2010	Fridays at 7:30 PM
This Ritter Planetarium production examines what goes on in this very special building. From pre-school students to postdoctoral fellows, the nature of the Universe is examined daily. Sit in as school children learn about planets, undergraduate students learn about their place in space, and faculty and graduate students work to unlock the secrets of stars and galaxies. Learn all about Ritter Observatory and the work that is done here from dusk to dawn.
Amazing Stargazing	January 16 - 30, 2010	Saturdays at 1:00 PM
Produced by the Minneapolis Planetarium, Amazing Stargazing! is a fun, fast-paced, and thrilling introduction to many aspects of the nighttime sky for all children. This radio-style program covers constellations, shooting stars, comets, and moons, among other things.
Skywatchers of Africa	February 5 - 26, 2010	Fridays at 7:30 PM
Since the beginning of human experience, the people of Africa have used their knowledge of the sky to meet their physical needs, for survival and for navigation. They have used the sky as a guide to build their societies and for calendar making. The sky also shapes their spiritual lives, playing an important role in many ceremonies and providing clues to the deepest human questions. “Skywatchers of Africa,” produced by the Adler Planetarium, examines several cultures, past and present, from across the African continent. The show presents how these examples are similar to the experience of people all around the world.
Follow the Drinking Gourd	February 5 - 27, 2010	Saturdays at 1:00 PM
Produced by the New Jersey State Planetarium, Follow the Drinking Gourd, a historical program, discusses how African-American slaves used the stars - mainly the stars of the Big Dipper - to find their way north to freedom. Participants will learn the song they memorized to assist them in their trip. We will also hear the tale of one African-American family and their successful journey north to freedom. This program also includes a live tour of the night sky.

Admission

Admission to all public planetarium programs is $6 for adults and $5 for children (3 and older), seniors, and University of Toledo students, faculty, and staff. Reservations are not accepted. Doors open 30 minutes before each program.

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