New Planetarium Program Offers “Majestic” Tour of Night Sky
KINGSPORT – Utilizing the state-of-the-art technology the planetarium now offers,
Appalachian Skies is a live presentation meaning that viewers will not only receive a personally guided tour of the night sky, they will see celestial objects as they are positioned on that very date. The tour will offer spectacular views of these marvelous celestial wonders, said Astronomy and Space Sciences Program Coordinator Adam Thanz. It also features more in-depth information about each, including how viewers can locate and view them on their own when they return home.
Using the planetariums new Carl Zeiss ZKP-4 star projector, planetarium staff will be able to demonstrate to viewers what constellations and planets will be easily visible while offering a star field so realistic and vibrant that a pair of binoculars could be used to see stars not visible to the naked eye.
Part of the parks new planetarium show lineup offering visitors a second viewing option, Appalachian Skies can be seen at 2:00 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday throughout the months of September and October.
Serving as the main feature thru the end of October is Planetary Visions, best described as an adventurous tour of the Solar System and a great show for the entire family. Planetary Visions can be seen Tuesday through Friday at 4:00 p.m., and on the weekends at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Tickets to all planetarium shows are just $4.00 per person, per show. Park members are admitted free with the use of their pass.
Annually, more than 150,000 visitors pass through
One of the nations largest city-owned parks with 3,550 acres, Bays Mountain Park features 38 miles of hiking trails, a state-of-the-art planetarium, wildlife habitats, fun exhibits, a 44-acre lake, trails for mountain biking and much, much more.
