By RYAN SKAITH
The Bushman Planetarium at Missouri Western State University is offering a double feature of celestial exploration with public showings of “Lifestyles of the Stars” and “Secret of the Cardboard Rocket.”
The screenings are scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21.
The program includes "Lifestyles of the Stars," a fast-paced "AstroTours" journey led by a quirky tour bus driver named Tachyon. Passengers will travel through the galaxy to visit various stellar "homes," learning about star formation in nebulae and the life cycles of red dwarfs, blue-white giants, and red supergiants. The tour offers a close-up look at solar flares and supernovas while providing an educational overview of neutron stars and black holes.
Following the stellar tour, "Secret of the Cardboard Rocket" takes the audience on a digital adventure through the solar system. The film follows two children and their navigator—a talking astronomy book—as they explore the planets. This production features modern 3D animation and a high-quality soundtrack created at George Lucas’s Skywalker Ranch.
Tickets for the event are priced at $5 for adults and $3 for children age 13 and under, students, employees, military members, and senior citizens age 60 and older.
Tickets must be purchased in advance, as they are not sold at the door. Reservations can be made online at missouriwestern.edu/planetarium or in person at Agenstein Hall, room 140, during regular business hours.