The Kean University Planetarium invites all members of the community to experience Seasons of Light, a spectacular light show that combines astronomy with the spirit of the winter season. Seasons of Light will be featured from 3:30 p.m.-4:15 on Nov. 27 and 30, and Dec. 4 and 7. The Planetarium is located in Kean’s Science Building (C330), at 1000 Morris Ave. in Union. Admission is free.
“From constellations to mythology, galactic fly-bys, and the exploration of the planets and our home solar system, Kean’s Planetarium brings space close!” said William Heyniger, lecturer in Kean’s School of Environmental and Sustainability Sciences. “Our digitized dome simplifies complex subject matter and makes observing and learning about the stars, planets, motion and the vastness of space astronomy really fun. Seasons of Light takes viewers on a unique and exciting journey through the holiday season.”
Seasons of Light, produced by Loch Ness Productions, explores the brightest and warmest traditions celebrated in the coldest and darkest of seasons. The show features holiday music and teaches audiences about the importance of illumination during the time of year when natural light is at its shortest.
Celebrations of light are explored, from the burning Yule Log of Winter Solstice, and sparkling Christmas tree lights, to the lighting of luminarias in the Southwest and the Hanukkah Menorah. The show recounts historical, religious and cultural rituals practiced during the winter months in Christian, Jewish, Celtic, Nordic, Roman, Irish, Mexican and Hopi traditions.
The program also explores the reasons behind the seasons and the constellations, as well as astronomical phenomena including comets, meteors, novas, supernovas and planetary conjunctions.
The Kean University Planetarium is a 30-foot hemispheric dome with a 180-degree sky view that utilizes Starlab, a state-of-the-art digital projection system, for an immersive and educational experience of topics, ranging from astronomy, astrophysics, earth science, interstellar distances, math, earth and space geology, and meteorological and spatial applications.
For more information, or to schedule a group visit to the Planetarium at any time of the year, email planetarium@kean.edu or call 908-737-3660.
Founded in 1855, Kean University has become one of the largest metropolitan institutions of higher education in the region, with a richly diverse student, faculty and staff population. Kean continues to play a key role in the training of teachers and is a hub of educational, technological and cultural enrichment serving nearly 15,000 students. The university’s five undergraduate colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate degrees over a full range of academic subjects. The Nathan Weiss Graduate College offers five doctoral degree programs and more than 60 options for graduate study, leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas, or certifications. With campuses in Union and Toms River, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, Kean University furthers its mission by providing an affordable and accessible world-class education. Visit www.kean.edu.
