New Planetarium Program Highlights the Constellation Orion

Bays Mountain Park is pleased to announce the second part of a two-part program featuring short stories of different cultures and indigenous societies from around the globe.

“One Sky: Finding Patterns” is now showing in the Planetarium Theater through April 30. The program is being shown Tuesday through Friday at 4 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Each story focuses on the part of the sky known as the constellation Orion, which is visible around the world and a visual benchmark for cultures globally. This program also includes a brief tour of the current night sky.

“Just like the first part, the visuals are stunning, the storytelling is spellbinding and the music wraps around the viewer to complete the amazing production,” said Planetarium Director Adam Thanz. “It’s truly an immersive experience, one the entire family should enjoy.”

The four stories featured in the 40-minute program include:

The Forge of Artemis
In ancient Greece, Orion was a mighty, though not particularly popular, hunter. His constellation shines brightly—a familiar shape to people around the world. Why did the goddess Artemis immortalize him in the sky?

Celestial Canoe
The First People of what is now northern Canada watched the slow turn of a canoe in the sky—mirroring the change in seasons on land. This celestial canoe guided them through a particularly challenging part of the year.

The Samurai and the Stars
For many, the stars offer solace and comfort. For our Japanese narrator, images in the sky—even the colors of the stars—bring back memories of music, history and childhood.

Wayfinders
Hear from a Hawaiian navigator as she describes how the sky provides a compass and calendar for the oceanic people whose voyages connected islands throughout the Pacific Ocean.

The alternate planetarium feature showing Saturdays and Sunday at 2 p.m. through April 30 will be “Appalachian Skies.”

“Appalachian Skies” takes visitors on a majestic tour of the current evening sky using the Zeiss optical star projector instrument. This live presentation is enhanced with additional content from our VELVET LED projectors for a wonderful, immersive experience.

Due to the live nature of the program, and the natural progression of the changing night sky throughout the seasons, each presentation will be unique. Learn what fascinating mythological constellations, from Ancient Greece and other cultures, will be easily visible. Find out what planets are easily seen as well. Visitors will take this knowledge home and be able to locate these celestial sights for themselves.

For more information about Bays Mountain Park and its programs, events and activities, visit www.baysmountain.com.