CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — The coming fireworks over the region are often an exciting display of technology and firepower that lights up the night.
(Photo courtesy of Clarion University)
Although these are special events, nature provides some stunning shows each night.
The Clarion University Peirce Planetarium wants to make sure the community can view the wonders of the Clarion Summer Night Sky. The stars and planets are on display in the planetarium’s 40-foot dome, one of the largest in the state.
Just like nature, the planetarium show is free and will be offered July 6 and August 3 at 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. each night.
Doors are open at 6:30 p.m. and the last show of each evening will be followed by a telescope observation session, weather permitting, at 9:15 p.m.
“These installments of Stars over Clarion will focus on the summer night sky and the month’s celestial happenings,” said Planetarium Director Sharon Montgomery. “The shows are free and open to the public. Families are more than welcome. Seating is limited.”
A schedule of events is available on the planetarium Facebook page.
At the heart of the planetarium is a precision-engineered star ball that combines optical and electro-mechanical technology to provide an accurate view of the night sky and its apparent motion.
The planetarium is useful in providing education to faculty, students, and the public as stargazers have an opportunity to see their favorite constellations at any hour of the day. The planetarium can be used to show the night sky as it would appear at any point in time, past or present, as it would appear from any point on Earth.
The planetarium is named for Dr. Donald D. Peirce, teacher, and chairman of the science department from 1932-68. Clarion alumnus Will Snyder created Stars Over Clarion in the fall of 2013. He hosted the program until December 2015 when he took a job as a planetarium director in North Carolina.
Pierce Auditorium is located on the second floor of the Grunenwald Science and Technology Center at 61 Greenville Avenue in Clarion.
