The Great Conjunction March 2012: Jupiter, Moon, Venus MHCC Planetarium website |
Mars and Venus at Their BestWhen: Mon Mar 5, 2012 |
Admission $2. MHCC students are admitted free.
The Sky Theater is wheelchair accessible.
Mars and Venus at Their Best & Spring Sky Highlights
If you enjoy gazing at the night sky, it’s a “planet-a-palooza” this spring at the Mt. Hood College (MHCC) Planetarium.
“Mars and Venus will be at their brightest this spring and all of the other classical planets can be easily found in the night sky,” says Pat Hanrahan, Planetarium director.
“It is a rare time that we can see so many of our planets in the same night sky,” adds Hanrahan. “Even the shy planet Mercury will be visible shortly after sunset. In late spring, we will see the rare Transit of Venus. If you miss this event, you will have to wait another 105 years before it will be visible again.”
All shows are presented under a realistic representation of the night sky, featuring the latest galactic, stellar and planetary images.
Visitors are encouraged to ask questions during each 45-minute program. Children are welcome to attend.
Parking Change
Parking permits are required and may be purchased for $3 at ticket kiosks located by the flagpoles (north parking) and gym (south parking). (Violators will be ticketed)
ADA Services
Individuals requiring accommodations due to a disability should contact the MHCC Disability Services Office at 503-491-6923 or 503-491-7670 (TDD). Please call at least two weeks prior to the event to ensure availability.
Upcoming Shows
Dec. 5, 2011 | New Views of The Old Moon |
Jan. 2, 2012 | 2012 Sky Watch Preview (is the movie right about 2012?) |
Feb. 6, 2012 | Supernovae: The Spectacular Deaths of Big Stars! |
Mar. 5, 2012 | Mars and Venus at Their Best & Spring Sky Highlights |
April 2, 2012 | The Greatest Hits of the Greatest Telescopes |
May 7, 2012 | The Southern Sky from Namibia |
June 4, 2012 | Summer Sky Highlights and the Transit of Venus |
All shows are on the first Monday of each month at 7:00PM and 8:15PM
More Info?
Contact Pat Hanrahan, MHCC Planetarium Director and Astronomy Instructor by phone 503-491-7297, email pat.hanrahan@mhcc.edu.
Related Reading
- Interactive Sky Chart Sky View Cafe
Free, Java-based planetarium. Excellent. - Interactive Sky Chart Astronomy Now Online
- This Week's Sky at a Glance Sky & Telescope
- Let's Go Stargazing! Sky & Telescope