June 24, 2019—The Bushman Planetarium at Missouri Western State University will host public shows at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 27 and Wednesday, July 17.

poster for Nine Planets and CountingThe June 27 show is “Nine Planets and Counting.” How many planets are there in our solar system? Nine, right? Or is it eight? Maybe it’s ten, or twelve, or more. Take a tour to explore the variety of objects that populate our solar system. Along the way, we’ll examine each planet individually and then step back to look at the big picture: rocky worlds compared to gas giants and more. What is a planet, anyway? The answer may surprise you.

The July 17 show is “Stars of the Pharaohs.” Travel to ancient Egypt to see how science was used to tell time, make a workable calendar, and align huge buildings. You’ll learn about the connection the ancient Egyptians felt with the stars and various astronomical phenomena, and experience some of the most spectacular temples and tombs of the ancient world recreated in all of their original splendor.poster for Stars of the Pharaohs

Planetarium tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children, students, military and seniors. Tickets must be purchased in advance, online at missouriwestern.edu/planetarium or in person at Agenstein Hall, room 140 during regular business hours (8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday).

The Bushman Planetarium is located inside Agenstein Hall on Missouri Western’s campus. It features a Digistar 4 projection system and a dome that is tilted slightly, rather than directly overhead, making viewing easier. A 17-channel stereo sound system enhances the viewing experience.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.