Come along with me to the Georgia Southern Planetarium -- a WOW experience!!
Some of us are knowledgeable about planetariums from conversations or from traveling or visiting very spectacular shows in many tourist locales. Well, we in Statesboro, Georgia, are very ‘Blessed’ to have a planetarium that offers special ‘Full Dome’ presentations that are appropriate for all ages: students, public/private home groups, and adults.
You can go by yourself or with a friend or even plan a field trip with your special club or church group - Young at Heart, NewComers, Red Hats, Garden Clubs…all are welcome!
The planetarium is located in the Math and Physics building, which is adjacent to the Russell Union parking lot on the Georgia Southern Statesboro campus.
The address is 65 Georgia Avenue. You may park in either the Russell Union or Hanner Fieldhouse parking lot. Parking is FREE at the time of the show. There is an abundance of handicap/accessible parking for those that may need. I must say easy access is exceptional. The price is a very reasonable $4.00 per person.
The schedule depends on what is playing, with excellent times offered for certain shows in the early afternoons. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday only, for those. Most shows are in the evening. Just perfect to go have an early lunch or dinner or perhaps coffee after.
A few days ago, I had the privilege of visiting and watching a show called the ‘Black Holes’ in our own Planetarium. This show was predominantly about the adversity and power of Black Holes. The wonder, curiosity, and the very nature of Space-Time. Just perfect for the space buff personality -- perhaps one of your grands?
What is a Planetarium?
For those of you that aren't familiar with the Planetarium, it is a theater built primarily for presenting educational and entertaining shows. A dominant feature of most Planetariums is the large ‘dome-shaped’ projection screen onto which the seasons of the stars, planets, and other celestial objects can be made to appear and realistically simulate their moves.
The Planetarium uses a Digistar 5 projection system that can immerse you into the night sky and out to the edge of the known universe. The Real Time 3D Graphics of the Digistar 5 render complex, highly detailed models in ‘real time’ and display them on the Dome. The entire Dome is filled with spectacular images and videos for all ages in many topics.
In 1923, the world's first Planetarium projector was in the Deutsches Museum in Germany, the Mark 1. Well, we have come a long way in 100 years.
Our planetarium has state of the art Planetarium seating. The individual seats provide armrests and adjustable back pitch angles to provide a comfortable viewing angle of the Dome. They can seat 63 visitors with two ADA wheelchair spaces.
Approximately 8000-10,000 guests, including students and visitors, come to the Georgia Southern University Planetarium annually.
“The Planetarium is fun. It is an experience you usually have to go to a big city to experience, and we have it in our little town," said Dillon Marcy, Coordinator of the GS Planetarium. "We are a different kind of experience with our 360 Dome and surround sound. Depending on the show being played, you'll be immersed in the show as if you're flying through space.”
Dillon added, “We have around 30 shows to choose from, covering every topic in astronomy and many similar topics."
The next show is THIS WEEK! On Friday, October 27, you can see the Black Holes show mentioned above at 6pm, 7pm, or 8pm. For tickets, click here.
An AMAZING seasonal show is coming soon, too.
‘Let it Snow’: A Holiday Music Journey
‘Let It Snow’ features a new variety of festive classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee and includes a stunning multimedia finale by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The soundtrack is visibly enhanced with thematic animation laser imagery special effects in all-Dome scenery.
Just perfect to get in the festive spirit with friends, family, grandchildren, or your favorite club buddies. Hey! What about ‘out-of-town’ guests? You can showcase one of the wonders of the ‘BORO.’
- Tickets go on sale November 20th at Noon
- Shows are December 2, 2023 at 12 noon, 12:45pm, 1:30pm, 2:15pm, 3pm, 3:45pm, 4:30pm, 5:15pm, & 6pm.
- $4.00 per person. (All sales are final. Refunds will only be issued for extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis.)
Remember, you can BUY TICKETS ONLINE or reserve a private showing in advance by contacting Dillon Marcy at 912-478-5292 or [email protected]. He can give you any other information you may need, as well.
You must venture out to a 'galaxy far, far, away' for a FUN day and make this a ‘festive’ Senior Moment!
