Explore Earth’s wonders and beyond at MCC planetarium shows
McHenry County College (MCC) invites the community to explore the wonders of Earth and outer space with a series of upcoming shows in their state-of-the-art planetarium, which features a new Digistar Planetarium Projection System and heart-thumping surround sound. All shows include a live presentation highlighting the wonders of the night sky along with a feature film presentation.
The first show, “Dynamic Earth,” will be held from 6-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28. The show will take audience members through the inner workings of Earth’s climate system, riding along swirling ocean and wind currents, diving into the heart of a monster hurricane, coming face-to-face with sharks and whales, and flying into volcanoes.
Later that day, “National Parks Adventure” will take audiences on the ultimate off-trail adventure from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Viewers will get to soar over red rock canyons, craggy mountain peaks, and otherworldly realms found within Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Yosemite, and Arches.
On March 28, April 4, and April 5, the planetarium will show “Birth of Planet Earth,” which tells the twisted tale of our planet’s origins and explores what history may tell us about our chances of finding other worlds that are truly earthlike.
Other shows include “Worlds Beyond Earth” March 28, “Dinosaurs of Antarctica” March 29, “Unseen Universe” on March 29 and April 4, and “Earth, Moon, and Sun” April 5.
Full descriptions of each show and detailed show times can be viewed at mchenry.edu/planetarium. The MCC Planetarium Gift Shop will be open during shows and offers a variety of space-themed refreshments and gifts.
The planetarium is on the upper level of the Liebman Science Center (Building F) on the MCC campus, 8900 Northwest Hwy., Crystal Lake.
Each show is open to the public and costs $15 per person ($10 for students and seniors). Space is limited to 45 people per show. All shows are appropriate for children. Reservations are required and can be made at mchenry.edu/planetarium.