Planetarium gears up for summer

While activity within most A&M-Commerce departments will slow down before the fall semester begins, the Planetarium has open houses and shows scheduled throughout the summer.

A public open house will be held at university's observatory June 14 from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The event will allow guests to view various planets and stars through three telescopes.

Dr. Kent Montgomery, planetarium director, views these programs as a way for the university to connect with the community.

"Most of the people that come to our shows are not students here," he said. "The majority are actually from the community."

The open house in particular is a unique opportunity for Hunt County residents, who will be able to view multiple planets. According to Montgomery, A&M-Commerce's astronomy equipment is impressive for a school of its size.

"This is something we do as an outreach to the community about once a quarter," Montgomery said. "Every three to four months, the sky changes enough that we start to see something new."

The planetarium will also hold planetarium shows at 7 p.m., 8 pm. and 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month through August.

Throughout June and July, the Planetarium will also offer one hour Wednesday matinees of children's shows at 1 p.m. and past favorites at 2 p.m. Featured shows will include "Kaluoka'hina: The Enchanted Reef," and "The Problem with Pluto."

"Our schedule for the Wednesday matinees changes each week by offering multiple show options," Cheri Davis, assistant planetarium director, said. "In the past few years, many of our visitors plan weekly outings to include a trip to the planetarium. It's become a part of their summer traditions."

Tickets are $3 and can be purchased at the ticket office, which opens at 12:30 p.m. Reservations cannot be made for matinee shows.

For more information, call 903-468-8650 or visit web.tamu-commerce.edu/ communityOutreach/planetarium/showSchedule.aspx.