The University of Wisconsin– Milwaukee Manfred Olson Planetarium is hosting a summer constellation show, “Summer Starfest,” Aug. 2-4. Two $2 shows will be offered each evening at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The planetarium is located at 1900 E. Kenwood Blvd. in the Physics Building on the UWM campus.
Summer star patterns, including the Summer Triangle, will be the focal points of “Summer Starfest.” Another highlight of the interactive educational show is a constellation contest. Prizes will be awarded to planetarium visitors whose “star smarts” shine the brightest – those who correctly I.D. the most constellations.
“The event gives members of our community a chance to enjoy seeing the stars in our theater, free of light pollution, while having a fun competition,” says Jean Creighton, a UWM astronomer and director of the planetarium.
“Summer Starfest” is recommended for anyone intrigued by the beauty of the stars, ages 8 and older. Families, university students and couples are frequent guests at the planetarium’s regular features, which include free AstroBreaks on select Wednesdays, stargazing on select weeknights, and the Friday Night Show – a planetarium program serving Milwaukee since the 1960s. The next Friday Night Show, “Terrific Telescopes,” begins Sept. 10.
More details about “Summer Starfest” and the Manfred Olson Planetarium’s summer schedule are available at www.planetarium.uwm.edu. The planetarium theater is wheelchair accessible.