January 5, 2023

On Saturday, January 7 at 3:30pm the Delta College Planetarium will premiere the award-winning film “Aurora: Lights of Wonder,” a feature that captures the Aurora Borealis, one of the greatest celestial wonders often called the “Northern Lights.”  

The film features the work of Korean-based astrophotographer and planetarium filmmaker Kwon O Chul, who captured in real-time with modern high-resolution cameras to allow viewers to experience the aurora attraction through the world’s first 16 mega-pixel full dome video. Kwon, the first Korean whose photograph was chosen by NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day, has contributed photographs of his work to National Geographic.   

“While the aurora has been set to motion before using time-lapse photography this is the first time video cameras have had the sensitivity and resolution in real-time with exquisite detail,” says Mike Murray, astronomer and planetarium manager. “The results are truly amazing. It’s the closest thing to experiencing them in person.”  

Exploring various aspects of the celestial attraction, the film dissects their causes, mythology, colors, shapes, where they are best observed and the latest scientific breakthroughs. In addition, there is footage of an aurora taken from the International Space Station and how they are created on other planets in the solar system.  

Tickets are available for purchase on site or online: $7 for adults, and $5 for seniors, students, military and children ages 3-18.  

The screening is accompanied by a current night sky presentation. The family-friendly feature plays every Saturday at 3:30pm through April.   

The Delta College Planetarium is located at 100 Center Avenue in downtown Bay City.   

For more information, visit delta.edu/planetarium or call 989-667-2260.  

Written by Ashley Terrell, Writer.