July 30, 2019

On Friday, August 2 at 7pm the Delta College Planetarium in Bay City will host a special encore presentation about the Aurora Borealis or “Northern Lights.” Planetarium Manager and Astronomer, Mike Murray, will uncover the mystery of the Aurora using the unique wrap-around environment of the planetarium’s Dome360 Theater.

The program will explore what causes the Northern Lights and how to observe them. “Since they are tied to storm activity on the Sun, we’ll examine the Sun-Earth connection and why our magnetic field is key in creating this phenomenon,” Murray explains. “But we’ll also look at the stories and folklore of the aurora, from Canada and Scandinavia to the southern hemisphere where they are known as the Aurora Australis,” adds Murray.

The show will include full-dome time-lapse footage of the Aurora from various locations around the globe as well as the International Space Station. Images from local photographers will also be showcased on the dome, including views of the phenomenon known as “STEVE,” an aurora-like feature that has only just now become better understood.

“Discover the Northern Lights” will be held in the Dome360 Theater of the Delta College Planetarium & Learning Center beginning at 7pm. Tickets are specially priced at $3 per seat and go on sale one hour before show time at the planetarium. All ages are welcome.

For more information go to the planetarium’s website at www.delta.edu/planet or call 989-667-2260. The Delta College Planetarium is located in downtown Bay City at 100 Center Avenue.