August 29, 2017

Beginning Saturday, September 2, at the Delta College Planetarium, audiences can enjoy an excursion through one of the most beautiful and majestic planetary systems in space with its new show “Saturn, Jewel of the Heavens.”

Once a place of great mystery and beauty, Saturn has finally given up some of its long held secrets. Thanks to our modern robotic pioneers, we now know more about this ringed planet and its amazing system of rings and moons than ever before. This new fulldome production incorporates information from the Cassini spacecraft’s Saturn mission and creates a three-dimensional photo-realistic tour of the planet, its rings, and moons.

The show debuts as Cassini reaches the “Grand Finale” phase of its mission, deliberately burning up in Saturn’s atmosphere in September so it doesn’t contaminate any of the moons since many contain conditions suitable for life. Each show will contain a live ‘epilogue’ to share the latest photos and discoveries from its final days in orbit.

“Saturn, Jewel of the Heavens” will run Saturdays, September 3 through October 28 at 3:30pm and is suitable for ages 8 and up. News media interested in covering the show (including images) should contact Mike Murray, Astronomer and Planetarium Manager at 989-667-2270 or mikemurray@delta.edu

Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for children 3-18, students, seniors and military. To learn more about other shows and events at the planetarium, go to www.delta.edu/planet  or call 989-667-2260. The Delta College Planetarium and Learning Center is located in downtown Bay City at 100 Center Avenue.