Geoscience department hosts Planets Way Out There

Dr. Kenneth Coles of the geoscience department presented a free planetarium show, Planets Way Out There, at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania planetarium in Weyandt Hall Monday, Feb. 18. 

Planets Way Out There included a detailed look at the night sky, which was projected onto the ceiling of the planetarium. 

Visitors learned information about many star constellations and their origins, such as Orion’s Belt and The Big Dipper. 

There was also an in-depth segment about planets outside of our galaxy, and how they stand in comparison to Earth.

Dr. Harold Morales, a religious studies professor, attended the presentation with his young son.

 Morales said the presentation was “very informative as well as entertaining.

“My son loved it, we will be returning for the next show in April.” 

Jared Long (sophomore, pre-engineering) also attended the presentation, describing it as “interesting and enjoyable.”

Coles said that the presentation took “about 10-12 hours of preparation, not including the amount of time it takes to change all the light bulbs.

Coles stated that he tries to put on about four shows every year similar to Planets Way Out There, and the next presentation takes place on April 17.  There was a gathering outside of Weyandt Hall following the Planets Way Out There presentation, giving attendees the opportunity to use  Coles’ high-powered telescope and gaze at the clear evening sky; a conclusion to a presentation that is, quite literally, out of this world.