The mysteries and wonders of the universe are within reach at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium. This January, the planetarium presents two fascinating shows: “The Dark Matter Mystery – Exploring a Cosmic Secret” and “Appalachian Skies – Winter.”

The main feature, “Dark Matter Mystery” explores questions that researchers all over the world are trying to answer. What keeps galaxies together? What are the building blocks of the universe, and what makes it look the way it does today? Approximately a quarter of the universe is filled with a mysterious glue—dark matter. Scientists know it’s out there, but what it’s made out of is one of the biggest questions in contemporary astrophysics. In this planetarium show, join scientists on their hunt for dark matter with experiments in space and deep underground. Will they be able to solve the “Dark Matter Mystery?”

“Appalachian Skies – Winter” is the alternate feature for January and February. This show will take the audience on a tour of the evening sky using the spectacular Carl Zeiss ZKP-4 star projector instrument, which generates a stunning star field using fiber optics. Produced in-house and led by planetarium staff, this show will teach guests what constellations and planets are easily visible in our winter skies. By the show’s end, guests will be able to locate these sights for themselves at home.

Beginning on January 2, “Dark Matter Mystery” will play Tuesday through Friday at 4 p.m. and weekends at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Catch this exciting show before its run ends on April 28. The planetarium’s alternate feature plays Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., from January 5 to February 24. Both shows last approximately 35 minutes.

Planetarium tickets are $5 per person. Children ages five and younger receive free admission with a paying adult, and Park Association members also receive free admission. For more information on Bays Mountain’s planetarium shows or group ticket costs, please visit baysmountain.com or call (423)229-9447.