The WSU planetarium recently hosted its weekly shows on Friday and Sunday, offering attendees an exploration of the current night sky alongside a documentary presented on the dome. Guy Worthey, a professor in physics and astronomy, said he has been producing these shows since 2016.
“Most of the time is spent with an actual person who shows you what planets to expect tonight and gives you some basic sky-gazing background,” Worthey explained. After the introduction, the presentation usually transitions into a pre-recorded movie. This past week’s featured documentary was “The Hot and Energetic Universe,” which delves into High Energy Astrophysics.
Worthey described the immersive nature of the dome experience: “It’s like a documentary, but it’s also pretty interesting because you’re in a dome, the screen is half your universe.” The planetarium regularly rotates multiple shows, including topics such as alien life, supermassive black holes, dark matter, and even a unique presentation on the human eye.
An upcoming show titled “Sentient,” created by students, will examine the nature of consciousness, featuring electronic music and eerie narrations. Worthey, who has a music background, appreciates how surround sound enhances the planetarium experience, noting that music shares traits with science in its organization and chaos.
At just $5 per ticket, these shows appeal to students looking for weekend activities, often leaving a lasting impression. Third-year student Puff Kesler recalled their memorable experience attending a show about Halloween origins, highlighting the passion of the presenters and the joy of stargazing.
The next show, “Distant Worlds- Alien life?” is scheduled for 5 p.m. on October 2 and 4, with tickets available on the WSU Planetarium website.
