Visit to Sunset Beach planetarium a heavenly experience

STAFF REPORT

Kathryn Jacewicz

Enjoy learning about the solar system and other heavenly subjects in programs presented on Fridays and Saturdays at Ingram Planetarium in Sunset Beach.

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“Zula Patrol: Under the Weather,” is the featured Sky Theater program for stargazers of all ages during March through May at Ingram Planetarium in Sunset Beach.

Join the team from the planet Zula as they use the pet Gorga to collect and learn about weather here on Earth and across the solar system.

Catch this show at 3 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at the planetarium at 7625 High Market St. in The Village at Sunset Beach.

Open 12:30-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays during the winter-spring season, Ingram Planetarium offers an array of astronomy and science programs.

All shows are one hour or less.

The 85-seat Sky Theater simulates a perfectly dark, starry night, and it is unsafe to move around during the shows. Late arrivals are not admitted to the theater.

Other current Sky Theater programs include:

“Oasis in Space” at 1 p.m.—Voyage through the solar system and deep into the universe in search of water, the key ingredient to life on earth. Learn about our solar system and the universe. It’s suitable for ages 8 and older.

“Seven Wonders” at 2 p.m.— Turn back time and witness the seven ancient wonders of the world as they have not been seen for thousands of years. Then journey through space and see seven cosmic wonders as never seen before. Suitable for ages 9 and older.

“Live Show: Fly into the Sky” at 4 p.m.—Using their new Scidome HD, join planetarium operators for a sky tour where the audience can leave Earth and view night-sky wonders. Suitable for ages 9 and older.

Other upcoming activities at the planetarium include Pi Day on March 13.

Laser shows are a planetarium highlight the third weekend of each month.

Scheduled shows March 19 and 20 include “Laseropolis” at 5 p.m., “Laser Metallica” at 6 p.m. and “Pink Floyd: ‘The Wall’” at 7 p.m. The latter two shows are not recommended for young children.

Laser music programs are like a rock concert without the band and they are loud.

Admission per show is $8 adults and $6 for senior adults and children. Memberships are available. Groups should call for advance reservations and instructions.

Call 575-0033 or visit www.ingramplanetarium.org for more information