Contact Information
For further information and scheduling, contact:
Dr. Eileen Korenic
Physics Dept.
Telephone: 715-425-3560
FAX: 715-425-0652
E-mail: eileen.korenic@uwrf.edu
Planetarium
The Planetarium is available for group shows and may be scheduled during the day or evening. The cost per show for groups is $25.00 payable to the Physics Department. Maximum seating capacity is 40 people.
Presentations are tailored to suit your requests and the age of the group members. You may request a particular astronomical subject or choose from the following currently available theme shows:
General Sky Survey
This presentation includes a general overview of earth¹s motions and how that influences what we see in the day and night sky. This also includes pointing out major constellations seen from northern Wisconsin, including the zodiac and circumpolar constellations.
Star Colors
In this presentation, the structure of the atom is used to explain star spectra and star colors. Group members use simple spectroscopes to observe element spectra and relate them to star appearance.
Variable Stars
This presentation includes a discussion and activities examining why stars change in brightness and how this information is useful to astronomers. Included are double stars, star evolution, supernovae, Cepheid variable stars, and RR Lyrae stars.
The Zodiac and the Astronomy of Astrology
We look in detail at the zodiac constellations, why they are given special designation from a scientific viewpoint, and why astrology is not astronomy.
Measuring Size and Distance in the Sky
Through the use of star maps and simple instruments, we examine how sky objects are located and how distance and size are determined. We also learn about the extremes of astronomical objects including nearest, farthest, brightest, most massive, oldest, newest.
Mythology and Astronomy
A relaxing show of storytelling, the myths of the Greeks, Romans, Chinese, Arabs, Mayans, Native Americans, and other cultures are related to constellations seen from northern Wisconsin.
History of Astronomy
The Planetarium is used to describe how our current understanding of astronomy developed from ancient times to the present. The program includes the historical contributions of Ptolemy, Copernicus, Keppler, Newton, as well as more recent astronomers including Herschel, Leavitt, Shapley, and Hubble.
Groups arriving by bus are requested to drop off group members at either the East or North entrance. Buses are requested to park in the Ramer Visitor Parking Lot on Main Street.
Planetarium Location
The University of Wisconsin River Falls Planetarium is located in the Agricultural Sciences Building about 1 block into the campus from the corner of Third Street and Cascade Avenue, in between Hagestad Hall and the University Greenhouse. There is handicapped access from the North side of the building and steps into the Planetarium area from the East side.
Restrooms are located immediately to the left and right of the Planetarium entrance. There are coat hooks inside the Planetarium.
Groups arriving by bus are requested to drop off group members at either the East or North entrance. Buses are requested to park in the Ramer Visitor Parking Lot on Main Street.
