Mueller Planetarium announces fall schedule

            Mueller Planetarium in the University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History's Morrill Hall has announced its fall fulldome schedule, effective Aug. 29:

• "Dinosaurs at Dusk," Thursdays at 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m.
• "A Planet for Goldilocks," Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

            There are no shows on Nebraska home football Saturdays: Aug. 31, Sept. 7, 14 and 21, Oct. 5, and Nov. 2 and 16. Morrill Hall and Mueller Planetarium are also closed on Thanksgiving.

            "Dinosaurs at Dusk," a new fulldome show by Mirage3D, takes audiences back in time as they explore the origins of flight. Meet the remarkable flying reptiles called pterosaurs and wonder at amazing dinosaurs that had feathers. Take flight and discover the implications of continental drift, asteroids and impacts, and the convergent evolution of flight among species. Then experience first-hand the cataclysmic "last day" of the dinosaurs. (Total running time is 44 minutes.)

            "A Planet for Goldilocks" explores the search for a planet like Earth -- one with temperatures, oceans and an atmosphere suitable for life. The quest is a little like Goldilocks' search for a decent bowl of porridge: Some are too hot, some are too cold, but some are "just right." Following this show, there will be updates on the current night sky. (Total running time is 42 minutes.)

            The schedule is subject to change. For the more information about planetarium shows, astronomy and space science, visit the planetarium's website, http://www.spacelaser.com or phone 402-472-2641.

            The University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History in Morrill Hall and Mueller Planetarium are south of 14th and Vine streets on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus. Parking is free in front of the museum. Planetarium tickets include museum admission and can be purchased at the museum's front desk the day of the show. Admission is $9 for adults (19 and older), $5.50 for children, and $3 for UNL staff, faculty, and students with valid NU ID. For more information on the museum, visit http://www.museum.unl.edu.

Writer: Dana Ludvik