If you’re looking for a relaxing and entertaining activity on Clemson’s campus, look no further than the department of physics and astronomy’s very own planetarium, which hosts events throughout the semester. The recent showing of “Wonders of the Universe” made for a particularly delightful Wednesday afternoon when a small crowd of eager viewers waited outside room 112 of the Kinard Laboratory of Physics.

Before the evening’s showing began, people whispered with anticipation as both first-time visitors and regulars alike settled into surprisingly comfortable seats and eagerly waited for the lights to dim. The night began with an overview of the current night’s sky, as well as what the sky would look like the following morning. After that, hundreds of different constellations were projected onto the large dome which loomed overhead.

Throughout these magnificent “pre-show” presentations, volunteers from the department of physics and astronomy narrated what was happening and strategically walked viewers through many different fascinating features of our night sky. The audience learned plenty of fun facts and could even search for their astrological signs on the beautiful tapestry of constellations displayed above their heads.

After this unique pre-show, it was time to learn about the “Wonders of the Universe.” The show started at the beginning of time and progressed all the way to the creation of Earth, showing details of every other planet along the way. The show dazzled with the beauty and intricacy of the universe and its infinite energy.

A visit to the planetarium guarantees that you get a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and gain a new appreciation for the universe we share. The planetarium has a plethora of shows to choose from, so the sky’s the limit on what you can discover while visiting! The planetarium’s public show schedule can be found on the department of physics and astronomy’s website.