The Edwin Clark Schouweiler Memorial Planetarium University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Thank you to all for your patience during our summer of construction and show revision.

We still have a couple of construction issues to be addressed, but they will no longer affect our public shows.  We are glad to be able to now announce our public shows for the fall and December. The theme of our planetarium weekend evening shows is "everything that you wanted to know about stars, and more". Friday and Saturday, November 13 and 14 are the dates.  Saturday afternoon, November 14 will feature a family matinee for younger children and their adult friends.

Friday, November 13, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm, "The StarGazer"

Saturday, November 14, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm, "A Solar System Adventure Tour"

Saturday, November 14, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm, "Hotter Than Blue"

Learn all about more or less "normal" stars like our sun and their life cycles in "The StarGazer".  This show is for older youth (5th grade and above) and adults.

"A Solar System Adventure Tour" is an interactive tour of the Solar System, where audience members help with the operation of the space ship. Science content includes: definition and demonstrations of rotation and revolution, moon phases, and basic facts about the 8 planets and Pluto. During a “refueling stop” on the Moon Base, students participate in a hands-on demonstration of moon phases.  This show is appropriate for children grades 1 through 4 and their adult friends.

"Hotter Than Blue" picks up where "The StarGazer" leaves off. Learn about weird hot stars, black holes and other exotic objects invisible to the eye in "Hotter Than Blue" , our newest show. Click on the name of the shows above for a more detailed description. Check this month's 'Notes from the Director' page for more information on our new video segments for both shows. This show is for older youth (5th grade and above) and adults.

In the meantime:

• We have several private groups and schools already scheduled for October, November and December.

• We are now scheduling private groups and schools for this fall and the rest of the school year through May.

• Call our planetarium information and scheduling line, 260-399-7700, extension 8211. Jean Sorg, our new secretary, will be delighted to answer your questions and schedule your show.

• Of course, our Christmas Show, Star of Bethlehem 2009, will be the public show for the first three weekends in December. The specific dates and times are below. Star of Bethlehem 2009 is also available in December through Epiphany, January 6, the traditional celebration of the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus. Private show availability is limited and on a first come, first served basis. Our part-time staff also expects to celebrate the holidays, so please call and schedule a private Star of Bethlehem 2009 show soon.

• Check the 'Notes from the Director' page for pictures of our new entrance construction and other planetarium news.

Star of Bethlehem 2009 Public Shows are scheduled for:

Saturday, December 5, 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm

Sunday, December 6, 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm (Christmas at USF/Lighting of the Lake Event Day)

Friday, December 11, 7:30 pm

Saturday, December 12, 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm

Sunday, December 13, 5:00 pm

Friday, December 18, 7:30 pm

Saturday, December 19, 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm

Sunday, December 20, 5:00 pm