Reopening as a key science center for the UA and Southern Arizona, Flandrau will have expanded hours and "Hector Projector" will cast brilliant sky light shows of universal appeal at regular shows.
Credit: UA/Flandrau
Tucson, Arizona -- UA Science: Flandrau, on the campus of The University of Arizona, celebrates the reopening of its planetarium and the start of a new expanded schedule on Saturday, April 3, 2010. The center then opens to the public seven days a week offering scheduled planetarium shows, science demonstrations, hands-on exhibits, an extensive mineral collection on display, a special exhibit of Bisbee minerals (Treasures of the Queen), telescope viewing in the observatory, and storytelling and exhibits from the Miners' Story Project.
A Tucson community tradition since 1972, Flandrau is now an integrated communication point for The University of Arizona College of Science. This new partnership makes it possible for Flandrau to remain a community favorite, while also showcasing other UA Science: departments and programs including Biosphere 2 in Oracle and the UA Science SkyCenter, at the summit of Mt. Lemmon just north of Tucson.
"We're excited about this new opportunity to reopen Flandrau and provide residents and tourists with a quality science attraction here in the center of Tucson," says Joaquin Ruiz, dean of the College of Science. "Universities must do all they can to transmit knowledge to the public and spark the imagination of youth about what their future could hold."
The Flandrau planetarium theater will reopen with live sky shows and tours of the galaxy. Visitors will be able to enjoy hands-on exhibits and science demonstrations in the Galaxy exhibit area. UA Science: Flandrau will continue to offer tours of the heavens with its 16-inch telescope -- the largest public viewing telescope in Southern Arizona.
The following live, interactive planetarium shows will be offered:
Tucson Sky Tonight
What can you see when you look up in the sky tonight? A planet, a constellation, a galaxy, or maybe a nebula where stars are being born? Explore the wonders of Arizona's beautiful night sky as we show you what you can see with your unaided eyes, give you a deeper look through stunning telescope and spacecraft imagery, and answer your questions.
Touring the Planets
Take a journey through our solar system, learning about the planets and viewing spectacular photos and videos -- including 3D images of the sun, moon, Saturn and Mars. Find out what we've learned about Mars from the UA-led Phoenix Mission, and ask your questions. Visitors of all ages will enjoy this tour around our galactic neighborhood.
Stories From the Stars
Sit back and relax as we spin tales of the constellations and how the ancients thought about the night sky. Learn about the constellations you can see in Arizona, ask your questions, and explore the mythology of the stars.
Follow the Drinking Gourd
Families and younger audiences will enjoy this popular fictional account of how slaves used the stars of the Big Dipper to navigate their way to freedom.
Here are the planetarium show times:
Fridays (beginning April 9)
7:30 p.m.: Stories From the Stars
Saturdays
11 a.m.: Follow the Drinking Gourd
1 p.m.: Touring the Planets
3 p.m.: Tucson Sky Tonight
7:30 p.m.: Tucson Sky Tonight
Sundays
1 p.m.: Touring the Planets
3 p.m.: Tucson Sky Tonight
Beginning Saturday, April 3, Flandrau will be open seven days a week.
Monday through Thursday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
Admission
Adults: $7.50
Children (4 to 15 years old): $5
Children under 4 years old: Free
Cat Card Holders: $2 off
Flandrau Parking Information
UA Science: Flandrau is located on the University of Arizona campus on the northeast corner of Cherry Avenue and University Boulevard. Free parking is available on the University of Arizona campus all day Saturday and Sunday, and after 5 PM Fridays in metered spaces and many parking lots. Parking is also available in the UA Cherry Avenue Garage.