Planetarium sets schedule through January, adds extra holiday shows

Mueller Planetarium in the University of Nebraska State Museum's Morrill Hall will update its schedule effective Nov. 27, including the addition of afternoon fulldome showings Dec. 27-30 for the holidays. Audiences can explore new worlds with "Extreme Planets" and go on an action adventure in space with "Attack of the Space Pirates."

Mueller Planetarium and Morrill Hall will be closed Nov. 25, Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1. The fulldome schedule will be updated again beginning Feb. 5.

The schedule for Nov. 27-Dec. 26 (no shows Mondays, and Thursdays Dec. 23 and 30):

"Attack of the Space Pirates" -- Thursdays, 7 p.m. (except Dec. 23); Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

"Extreme Planets" -- Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m.

The schedule for Dec. 27-Jan. 1 (except no 7 p.m. showing Dec. 30 and no shows Dec. 31 and Jan. 1):

"Attack of the Space Pirates" -- Monday-Thursday, 2 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.

"Extreme Planets" -- Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.

The schedule for Jan. 2-30 (except no shows Mondays):

"Attack of the Space Pirates" -- Thursdays, 7 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

"Extreme Planets" -- Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m.

"Attack of the Space Pirates" takes visitors on a race through the galaxy in search of hidden treasure of a different kind. But they're not alone! This show will appeal to the whole family, including young teenagers. (35 min.)

"Extreme Planets" takes audiences to mysterious new worlds outside our solar system. With the discovery a decade ago of the first planet orbiting another star, as well as the recent headlines about the new Earth-like planet Gliese 581, we now know that planets are not unique to our own solar system. In fact, these "extrasolar" planets now appear to be quite common. Though it will be years before we have direct images of the surfaces of these worlds, this show gives us an idea of what they might look like -- up close and personal. Audiences will go on an immersive journey to several worlds that may stretch the imagination, but which aren't science fiction anymore. (40 min.)

All shows include an optional viewing of the current night sky, its stars and constellations.

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

The University of Nebraska State Museum (Morrill Hall) and Mueller Planetarium are south of 14th and Vine streets on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus [map]. Parking is free. Planetarium tickets include museum admission and can be purchased at the museum's front desk the day of the show. Admission is $8 for adults, $5.50 for children, and $3 for UNL staff, faculty and students with valid NU ID. 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.

WRITER: Dana Ludvik, Publications Coordinator, NU State Museum, (402) 472-3779