Journey to the sun and watch a solar eclipse this April at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
A partial solar eclipse will pass over UW-Stevens Point on Monday, April 8. A free viewing session of this partial eclipse will be held that day for students and local community at Colman Field, located on the corner of Maria Street and Reserve Street. Viewing will start around 12:50 p.m. and will follow the partial eclipse for its whole duration until about 3:20 p.m., weather permitting. Free street parking will be available next to Colman Field during the event.
Telescopes equipped with solar filters along with free solar eclipse glasses will be available for viewing use. Take care to avoid observing the sun without adequate eye protection. Learn more safety tips at https://eclipse.aas.org.
Planetarium shows are offered at the Allen F. Blocher Planetarium on select Saturdays and Sundays from April 6-28. Three shows will be offered Saturday, April 6, as part of UW-Stevens Point’s annual Collection Crawl through the Olson Museum of Natural History. A special youth-focused program for families will be offered at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 7, with story time before the show at 3 p.m.
Planetarium shows are free and open to the public, but donations are appreciated and help continue these programs. Planetarium offerings include:
- April 6 – 9 a.m. “Habitat Earth” – Journey through Earth’s ecosystems to explore the connections between all life on our planet.
- April 6 – 10 a.m. “Totality” – Learn about lunar and solar eclipses and look forward to upcoming eclipses and where to witness them.
- April 6 – Noon, “Laser Shows – Legends of the Constellations: Orion” – A great laser show suitable for families with young children.
- April 7 – 2 p.m. “Totality” – Learn about lunar and solar eclipses and look forward to upcoming eclipses and where to witness them.
- April 7 – 3:30 p.m. “Laser Shows – Legends of the Constellations: Orion” – A great laser show suitable for families with young children.
- April 14 – 2 p.m. “Sunstruck” – Gain an enhanced understanding of the Sun and how it impacts our world.
- April 21 – 2 p.m. “One Sky” – Learn how different cultures see and interpret the night sky.
- April 27 – 2 p.m. “Fragile Earth – Celebrating Earth Day/Week” – With themes of biodiversity and sustainability, see Earth through an astronaut’s eyes as we search the universe for extraterrestrial life.
- April 28 – 2 p.m. “Earth, Sun and the Moon” – Explore the relationship between our Earth, Moon, and Sun through the eyes of an animated coyote character learning about our solar system.
Planetarium seating is first come, first served for up to 55 people. Groups of eight or more may schedule a special showing of any planetarium program by completing an online request form. There is a cost for these requests.
The planetarium is located on the second floor of the UW-Stevens Point Science Building. 2001 Fourth Ave., Stevens Point. Parking is available in Lot D behind the building and is free in all university lots after 7 p.m. and on weekends.
Stargazing sessions are available Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights, weather dependent, either in the Arthur J. Pejsa Observatory or on Colman field, located on the corner of Maria St. and Reserve St. Viewings will be held only if the skies are clear and the temperature is above 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Please check the department’s website linked below for weather status updates.
Learn more at https://www.uwsp.edu/smcpa/blocher-planetarium.