Kate Mulgrew of 'Star Trek' & 'Orange is the New Black' narrates IRSC planetarium show

Laurie K. Blandford, Treasure Coast Newspapers
·4 min read
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Look through telescopes and explore outer space at the only planetarium on the Treasure Coast.

The Hallstrom Planetarium at Indian River State College in Fort Pierce is kicking off its new season in October with its “Starlight Series” shows, STEAM talks (science, tech, engineering, arts, math), “Kid Space” series and Astronomy Day.

The planetarium features a 360-degree immersive digital OmniStar projection system and a state-of-the-art Spitz automated planetarium projector used to recreate the sky, sun, moon and planets among the stars on the 40-foot, domed ceiling.

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Scroll down for details about all the events.

Starlight Series

The “Starlight Series” shows start at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Fridays and 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays. They’re recommended for adults and children ages 10 and older. The air temperature is maintained at 72 degrees, so bring a sweater or light jacket.

Most planetarium shows are $5. Tickets are available at the McAlpin Fine Arts Center box office, 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by calling 800-220-9915 or going online at irsc.edu.

Saturn, Jewel of the Heavens: Nov. 19-20

  • This fall, Saturn will be visible in the evening sky. Celebrate the planet as the presentation showcases its mysterious rings, ice moons and largest moon, Titan, with its lakes of liquid nitrogen.

Star of Wonder: Dec. 3-4 and Dec. 10-11

  • What was the mysterious star that guided the Magi? Could it have been a comet, a meteor or a supernova? How might an astronomer explain it? Find out as the planetarium travels back in time over 2,000 years to recreate the skies over Judea. This popular presentation has been a family holiday tradition since 1993.

The Planets: Jan. 7-8, Feb. 11-12, March 4-5

  • In a recorded narration, Kate Mulgrew — famous for her roles on "Star Trek: Voyager" and "Orange is the New Black" — leads a grand tour of the solar system. Explore the surface of Mars, the perils of the asteroid belt, the cold rings of stormy gas planets and the features of other solar systems.

Daughter of the Stars: April 8-9, May 13-14, June 10-11

  • Enjoy a retelling of Native American stories about the sky and its stars. History and folklore combine for a unique storytelling event that seeks to explain the natural world from the appearance of the bright star Arcturus to the nature of the Milky Way to the origins of the Earth, moon and sun.

Afternoon STEAM Talks

Afternoon STEAM talks are free 45-minute presentations on specific topics:

The Secret Life of Fish: 6 p.m. Nov. 6

  • Learn about coral reefs and reef fish behavior as Dr. William Tyler, IRSC professor of biological sciences, shares his experiences from years of studying Florida’s marine environment. Hear a marine biologist’s perspective on “Finding Nemo” — what’s right and what’s wrong in the movie.

From the Big Bang to Puppy Dogs, the Story of Chemistry: 6 p.m. Jan. 22

  • Dr. Paul Horton, IRSC professor of chemistry, dynamically demonstrates the interaction of elements and compounds in an exciting presentation.

Kid Space

The “Kid Space” series is for children ages 4-12. It’s offered at 11 a.m. on these Saturdays: Oct. 23, Nov. 20, Dec. 4, Dec. 11, Jan. 8, Feb. 12, March 5, April 9, May 14 and June 11. All adults must be accompanied by at least one child.

Astronomy Day

Join the Treasure Coast Astronomical Society from 3-9 p.m. Feb. 5 for Astronomy Day, a free open house with telescopes, guest speakers, handouts, planetarium mini-shows and guided views of the sky, weather permitting.

At 4 p.m., Russell Romanella, former director of safety and mission assurance for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration at the John F. Kennedy Space Center, discusses NASA, the space program and the exploration of the universe.

Laurie K. Blandford is TCPalm's entertainment reporter and columnist dedicated to finding the best things to do on the Treasure Coast. Follow her on Twitter @TCPalmLaurie and Facebook @TCPalmLaurie. Email her at laurie.blandford@tcpalm.com. Sign up for her What To Do in 772 weekly newsletter at profile.tcpalm.com/newsletters/manage.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Kate Mulgrew of Star Trek narrates IRSC planetarium show on Feb. 12