March 28, 2024
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Planetarium offers deep-space shows

ORONO – The University of Maine Maynard F. Jordan Planetarium will offer one of its most popular shows, Hubble Vision 2, during February. The family-friendly shows may be viewed at 7 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 3 and Feb. 17.

Hubble Vision 2, which will appeal to those age 9 to adult, combines the splendor of the cosmos, brought into focus by the Hubble Space Telescope, with a narrative of a journey through the universe.

Using the latest images from the orbiting observatory, viewers see new views of the planets; peek into star birth nurseries; catch visions of star death in its many forms; explore distant star clusters and galaxies; and experience views of the universe when the earliest galaxies were coming into being.

Viewers catch glimpses of solar system objects, including Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9’s crash into Jupiter, and witness the cataclysmic aftermath of supernovae in the Crab Nebula. Also, see breathtaking views of colliding galaxies; jets shooting from active galactic nuclei, powered by supermassive black holes; the eerie effects of gravitational lenses; and deep-field views of the most distant galaxies ever seen.

Also offered in February is the educational and entertaining children’s show “Follow the Drinking Gourd,” at 2 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 5 and Feb. 19. The program will appeal to children ages 7-12.

Based on the book by Maine author Jeannette Winter, the program explains the movements of the sky and the way slaves used the sky to escape to the North in the 1800s. The puzzle of the sun’s movement through the seasons is solved and visitors learn a song that slaves used to follow a safe route to freedom.

The cost of admission is $3. For information, reservations or questions about the shows, call 581-1341 or visit the Jordan Planetarium at www.umainesky.com.


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