Mueller Planetarium sets summer fulldome schedule

Mueller Planetarium at the University of Nebraska State Museum announces its summer schedule of shows presented in Nebraska's first fulldome digital projection theater. Beginning June 2, the schedule will feature a show chronicling the history of the telescope and two shows for young audiences on stars and the solar system.

The schedule through Aug. 16 (except July 4):

* Tuesdays through Sundays at 2 p.m. -- "The Little Star That Could"
* Tuesdays through Sundays at 3 p.m. -- "Two Small Pieces of Glass"
* Thursdays, 7 p.m. -- "Secret of the Cardboard Rocket"

The schedule is subject to change. Special additions to the show schedule will be posted in July at the planetarium's Web site, www.spacelaser.com, as the Mueller Planetarium celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.

"The Little Star That Could" is a popular animated show for young audiences. Viewers follow the Little Star as he searches for some planets and meet various kinds of stars during his journey.

"Two Small Pieces of Glass" is a show celebrating telescopes that was produced for the International Year of Astronomy. It follows the history of the telescope from Galileo through today's modern observatories, with an emphasis on amateur telescopes and "star parties."

"Secret of the Cardboard Rocket" is another show for young audiences. It follows two children who build a cardboard rocket in their backyard. Magically, the rocket takes them on a journey through the solar system.

All these shows are approximately 35 minutes in length and include an optional viewing of the current night sky, its stars and constellations.

Mueller Planetarium is located in the University of Nebraska State Museum (Morrill Hall), just south of 14th and Vine streets on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus. Tickets to planetarium shows include admission to the museum. Prices are $8 for adults, $5.50 for children 5-18, and $2.50 for children 4 and under. For members of the Friends of NU State Museum with membership cards, tickets are $2.50 for adults and $2 for children. Tickets for UNL faculty, staff and students and immediate family are $3 (with valid UNL ID). Tickets are sold at the museum front desk the day of the show. For more information on planetarium shows, astronomy and space science, visit www.spacelaser.com. For more information on the museum, visit www.museum.unl.edu.