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Marie Drake Planetarium hosts event about the Big Dipper

Published 6:00 am Sunday, October 14, 2018

By Juneau Empire

Marie Drake Planetarium volunteer Clark Branch uses a laser pointer to circle the North Star during a monthly talk on the night sky on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
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Marie Drake Planetarium volunteer Clark Branch uses a laser pointer to circle the North Star during a monthly talk on the night sky on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Marie Drake Planetarium volunteer Clark Branch uses a laser pointer to circle the North Star during a monthly talk on the night sky on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Marie Drake Planetarium volunteer Clark Branch uses a laser pointer to circle the North Star during a monthly talk on the night sky on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

The Big Dipper is on Alaska’s state flag and in Alaska’s state song, but if you don’t know much about that iconic constellation, you might want to attend the Tuesday night show at the Marie Drake Planetarium starting at 7 p.m.

You’ll learn more about the science, folklore and humor behind the Big Dipper, part of the constellation Ursa Major. This family-friendly show includes a free art project to take home. It will be followed by the planetarium’s famous “The Stars Tonight” show on the Spitz projector. Tuesday night’s presenters are Steve Kocsis and Cristina Della Rosa. For more information, visit mariedrakeplanetarium.org or call 500-2941.

Marie Drake Planetarium is part of the Juneau School District and has been run by volunteers for more than 20 years. The volunteers offer free astronomy education for the public, school classes and community groups.

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