Get out of the heat this summer and enjoy a few cool shows—at Ingram Planetarium in Sunset Beach.
The planetarium, at 7625 High Market St. in The Village at Sunset Beach, is on its summer schedule now and opens at noon Tuesdays through Saturdays.
The Ingram Planetarium offers a number astronomy and science programs.
Displays abound in the planetarium’s Paul Dennis Science Hall, and free family activities are offered at 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through Aug. 19.
Check out “Navigating the Seas,” covering the function of basic tools used in celestial navigation.
On Wednesdays, the featured program is “Turtle Talk,” with Sunset Beach Turtle Patrol volunteers teaching about the life cycle of sea turtles and their work to save them.
Thursdays are “Sun Fun Day.” Learn how the sun works, look through a solar telescope (weather permitting), and participate in other sun-related activities.
The planetarium’s 85-seat Sky Theater simulates a perfectly dark, starry night, and it is unsafe to move around during shows. Late arrivals are not admitted to the theater. All shows are one hour or less.
The show schedule through Sept. 4 kicks off each day at 1 p.m. with “Astronaut,” a new show appropriate for all ages. Experience a rocket launch from inside the body of an astronaut while exploring amazing visualizations of space. Float around the Space Shuttle and watch Chad, an animated test astronaut, as he learns about the perils of space.
The 2 p.m. show features “Oasis in Space.” Voyage through the solar system and deep into the universe in search of water, the key ingredient to life on earth. Learn about our solar system and the universe. It’s suitable for ages 8 and older.
At 3 p.m., the planetarium features “Zula Patrol: Under the Weather,” which is best suited for a younger audience. Join the team from the planet Zula as they use the pet Gorga to collect and learn about weather here on Earth and across the solar system.
The featured show at 4 p.m. is “Seven Wonders,” recommended for ages 9 and older. Turn back time and witness the seven ancient wonders of the world as they have not been seen for thousands of years. Then journey through space and see seven cosmic wonders as never seen before.
At 5 and 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through Aug. 19, the planetarium offers laser music shows. Laser music programs are like a rock concert without the band, and they are loud.
Admission per show is $8 adults and $6 for senior adults and children ages 3-16. Those interested in seeing more than one show will receive a $1 discount.
Memberships are available. Groups should call for advance reservations and instructions.
Call 575-0033 or visit www.ingramplanetarium.org for more information.
