By Christie Bender
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced that a special evening series of programs will take place this summer at the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium. Three evenings this summer will include a special spotlighted show, along with opportunities for attendees to relax, socialize and learn more in-depth about astronomy.
Special late-night Chaffee Planetarium evenings will be held on Thursdays on July 12, Aug. 2 and Sept. 6 with each program having a specific theme. GRPM doors open at 7 p.m., with the planetarium show beginning at 7:30 p.m.
On July 12, join the GRPM’s Chaffee Planetarium for a special one-night-only double feature of Dark Side: The Light Show and NEW! The Queen Light Show: From Mercury with Love!
Dark Side: The Light Show is the Museum’s first original planetarium production since the new generation of planetarium technology, and is set to the music of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon album. Experience this iconic album as never before in this one-of-a-kind light show, featuring stunning 4k visuals, brilliant LED sequences and incredibly clear 5.1 surround sound.
Experience ten of Queen’s greatest hits in this brand new show, including favorites like Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites the Dust and You’re My Best Friend. The Queen Light Show: From Mercury with Love is brought to the Chaffee Planetarium from Longway Planetarium in Flint, MI.
*These shows contain some adult language and dizzying effects. It is not recommended for individuals prone to motion sickness, seizures or light sensitivity.
Tickets for the July 12 light show double feature are free to Museum members, $5 for non-members and can be purchased at grpm.org.
Additional evening planetarium shows will take place August 2 and September 6.
August 2 – Do You Have What It Takes to Be an Astronaut?
Join the GRPM’s Chaffee Planetarium for a special evening for the full astronaut experience! Start the evening in the planetarium watching Space School, a new documentary based show, to learn the incredible story of how astronauts train underwater to live and work in space. Missions will be given to participants to see if they can complete the tasks and reach their destination!
After Space School, visitors can take command of space vehicles through video game technology in the Museum’s summer exhibition, Be The Astronaut! In a special guided-tour with an expert, visitors will chart their course to the Moon, Mars and beyond. The exhibition features detailed digital recreations of actual places in the solar system built using data from NASA space probes.
September 6 – Night Sky Trivia
Explore the night sky inside and out! Start by learning end-of-summer constellations and current astronomy events in the GRPM’s Chaffee Planetarium. Participate in an extended version of the Under Scorching Skies live show to delve into the current astronomical events.
Following the planetarium show, venture outside for telescopic observations with the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association (GRAAA). See what you can find in the night sky above the city, with a star chart and astronomy experts to guide you. Participants can plan to see Saturn, Jupiter and Mars, as well as some of the very brightest stars such as those that make up the Summer Triangle.
*Outdoor observation is weather-dependent, and alternate indoor activities will include a trivia tournament in the newly renovated Meijer Theater.
Tickets for August 2 and September 6 are $8 for Museum members, and $12 for non-members and can be purchased at grpm.org.
