Star gazing indoors at the Shiras Planetarium

This winter it’s been too cold to stand outside and star gaze, but there’s a place in Marquette County where you can do that indoors.

The Shiras Planetarium, located at Marquette Senior High School, was built in the 1960’s with funds from the National Defense Act and community donations.  The planetarium is a unique addition to Marquette, and allows people to get a different perspective on the night sky.

“We serve the community and also local schools,” Shiras Planetarium Director Rachel Pomeroy said.  “We also get schools taking field trips from all over the U.P. as part of theirs science education curriculum.”

“We also have our community shows in the afternoons and evenings throughout the year.”

The shows throughout the year are different each month.  They feature the current night sky and a special feature involving space science.

February’s show is called “Icy Worlds”, exploring moons in the solar system.

“I think humans are naturally drawn to the sky, and astronomy has aspects that are rooted in science, technology, art, history, culture, storytelling, and the planetarium brings a little of that to our community,” Pomeroy said.  “I think it’s a great place to explore astronomy.”

The planetarium’s shows are every other Monday at 7:30 p.m.  Each show is $3 for adults, $2 for students, and free for seniors.

For show times or planetarium show information, visit the Shiras Planetarium’s website.