Planetarium to offer explorations of the universe in February | Viewers will fly beneath the rings of Saturn, into the heart of the Orion Nebula, and out into the vastness of space.
Ward Beecher Planetarium continues its 2025-26 season with real-time explorations of the universe and seasonal programs on the night sky.
February opens with “Passport to the Universe,” a program that takes audiences on a journey through the observable universe. Shows occur on Friday and Saturday. Dates: 8 p.m., Feb. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 and 27; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Feb. 28.
The Planetarium is located at 100 Lincoln Ave. on the campus of Youngstown State University. Programs occur on Fridays and Saturdays. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The Planetarium has a barrier-free entrance and accessible seating. Doors open 30 minutes prior to shows. Admission is free.
For schedules and other information, visit www.wbplanetarium.org or call 330-941-1370. To request a schedule by mail, visit here. The Planetarium also maintains social media pages on Facebook and X/Twitter.
FEBRUARY
Passport to the Universe. This show takes audiences on a journey through the observable universe. Narrated by Tom Hanks, viewers can fly beneath the rings of Saturn, into the heart of the Orion Nebula, and out into the vastness of space to experience stunning cosmic destinations as never before possible. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open 30 minutes prior to shows. The Planetarium has a barrier-free entrance and accessible seating. Show occur on Friday and Saturday. 8 p.m., Feb. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 and 27; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Feb. 28.
Legends of the Night Sky: Orion. Aesop the Owl continues his journey in an adventure where viewers look at the Greek mythology associated with constellations. The program includes stories behind Orion the Hunter and Scorpio the Scorpion. Family-friendly. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open 30 minutes prior to shows. The Planetarium has a barrier-free entrance and accessible seating. 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7, 14, 21.
MARCH
Spring Skywatch. The night sky changes with the seasons and so does the Planetarium’s “Skywatch” program. This live traditional star talk covers the current night sky, constellation lore and current astronomical events. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open 30 minutes prior to shows. The Planetarium has a barrier-free entrance and accessible seating. 8 p.m., Friday, March 6-7.
One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure. This family-friendly program begins on Sesame Street when Elmo’s friend Hu Hu Zhu visits from China. Big Bird, Elmo and Hu Hu Zhu take viewers on a discovery of the sun, moon and stars as they learn about the Big Dipper and the North Star and take an imaginary trip to the moon. 2 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 14, 21, 28.
Big Astronomy: People, Places & Discoveries. Discover the impressive observatories in Chile and the exciting discoveries uncovered from these world-class telescopes. This program includes a presentation of the night sky as seen from the Southern Hemisphere. 8 p.m., March 13-14, 20-21, 27-28.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Warren M. Young Lecture Series. Ward Beecher Planetarium will host programs on astronomy and space flight in March. For more information, visit the Planetarium’s website and social media pages on Facebook and X/Twitter.
So You Want to Buy a Telescope. Experts from the Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society (MVAS) will offer help and advice to telescope owners. The public is invited to bring their new telescopes (and ones that have been gathering dust) for one-on-one time with the MVAS experts. Visit the Planetarium’s website and social media pages on Facebook and X/Twitter for dates, times and more information.
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