NU State Museum offers free Thursday night admission in February

Released on 01/28/2010, at 2:00 AM
Office of University Communications
University of Nebraska–Lincoln

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, through Feb. 25, 2010

WHERE: University of Nebraska State Museum and Mueller Planetarium, Morrill Hall, south of 14th and Vine Streets

Lincoln, Neb., January 28th, 2010 —
"Natural Selection" logo
Photo of Charles Darwin's home, Down House, in
Photo of Charles Darwin's home, Down House, in "Natural Selection"
Photo of a jellyfish in
Photo of a jellyfish in "Natural Selection"
"Earth, Moon and Sun" promotional poster

The University of Nebraska State Museum will offer free admission to Morrill Hall Thursday nights in February. The museum will be open free of charge to visitors from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25. Regular admission to Mueller Planetarium fulldome shows will apply. The museum is open 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays.

Mueller Planetarium, located inside the museum, will feature fulldome shows at 7 p.m. Thursday in February. "Black Holes" will have a final showing at 7 p.m. Feb. 4. Beginning Feb. 7, a new fulldome show, "Earth, Moon and Sun," will be presented Saturdays and Sundays at 2 and 3 p.m., and Thursdays at 7 p.m., for the remainder of the month. Tickets to planetarium shows can be purchased at the front desk of the museum.

After February, Morrill Hall will continue to be open until 8 p.m. Thursdays, but beginning March 4, regular admission will be charged for all open hours.

Mueller Planetarium fulldome Schedule in February:

* Thursday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m.: "Black Holes"

* Saturday, Feb. 6 at 11 a.m., noon, and 1, 2, 3, 4 p.m.: "Natural Selection" (These are special showings for Morrill Hall's Dinosaurs and Disasters Day event.)

* Feb. 7-28: "Earth, Moon and Sun," Thursdays at 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 and 3 p.m.

"Black Holes" is a fulldome show that explores the latest scientific theories on how black holes are formed and how they are detected. (40 min.)

"Earth, Moon and Sun" explores lunar phases, eclipses and other puzzles in space. Kids ages 5-11 and their families will enjoy this fun and fast-paced show featuring a witty coyote (26 min.).

Mueller Planetarium will present special showings of "Natural Selection" on Feb. 6 as part of Dinosaurs and Disasters Day at Morrill Hall. This new fulldome show introduces the ideas of English naturalist Charles Darwin. Audiences go aboard the H.M.S. Beagle and explore the beauty of nature on the Galapagos Islands. The show features stunning imagery of creatures from the ocean to the land. Show times are 11 a.m., noon, and 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. (30 min.).

For updates on the planetarium's fulldome schedule, visit www.spacelaser.com.

The University of Nebraska State Museum in Morrill Hall, south of 14th and Vine streets [map], is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays, and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $5 for adults (19 and over), $3 for children (5-18 years, 4 and under are free), and $10 for families (up to two adults and children). Planetarium shows are $3 for adults 19 and older and $2.50 for children. Parking is free. For more information, contact Dana Ludvik at (402) 472-3779 or dludvik2@unl.edu, or visit www.museum.unl.edu. For more information on Mueller Planetarium, visit www.spacelaser.com.