Please visit this web site monthly to learn of activities in the Midland Lutheran College planetarium and observatory that will celebrate the International Year of Astronomy. These websites have information on International, USA, and Nebraska activities for IYA2009.

astronomy2009.org Official IYA site astronomy2009.us USA IYA site

astronomy2009.nasa.gov NASA IYA site www.iyanebraska.org Nebraska IYA site

It is likely that the next public event hosted at the Midland Lutheran College planetarium will take place in July. Please check this webpage in the middle of June for more information, or send your e-mail address to clements@mlc.edu to receive announcements once a month.

Astronomy Posters Two astronomy posters are now on display in the West lobby of Swanson Hall, 8th and Irving Street. This lobby is next to the planetarium. The posters show images of the Pinwheel Galaxy, M101, made with three space telescopes, Hubble, Chandra, and Spitzer. The galaxy was imaged using visible light, x-ray light, and infrared light. There is a free handout that describes the posters to help you appreciate what you will be seeing. The posters will be on display in the lobby of Swanson Hall 8 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. February - May and September - December, 2009.

Planetarium Programs

Groups are invited to contact Dr. Clements for a specially scheduled presentation. Available times are listed further down on this web page. There are no regularly scheduled public programs.

The subject matter of the presentation will fit the needs of the group attending the presentation. Presentations can be given to Elementary, Middle School, High School, and Home School classes; Scout groups; and other groups up to 65 people. The cost for a one-hour presentation for a group is $50. Please bring a check made payable to Midland Lutheran College.

Teachers are invited to contact me to schedule a planetarium trip for your class.

September through May: In general, planetarium presentations may be scheduled at the times listed below. There are some days when I have previous commitments.

Monday 11:30 to 4 P.M. Wednesday 1:00 to 4 P.M.

Thursday 10:00 A.M. to 4 P.M. Friday 12:30 to 2:30 P.M.

Saturday Morning 9 A.M. to 11 A.M. (I am not available on all Saturdays.)

November through December: The Star of Bethlehem program will be available in addition to general astronomy programs.

June, July, August: It is possible to schedule a planetarium presentation during the summer months but I may not be available for certain days and certain weeks due to travel plans. Please send your request for a presentation to me via e-mail (clements@mlc.edu). Other contact information is listed at the bottom of this page.

Location

The planetarium is located on the Southwest corner of Swanson Hall of Science, 8th and Irving Street in Fremont. You should park west of Swanson Hall and enter the building through the west doors. Map Link: Map to Planetarium

Planetarium Staff

Dr. Gary Carlson retired at the end of May 2008. Dr. Greg Clements, a Midland Lutheran College Professor for 25 years, has been named the new director of the planetarium and observatory. Dr. Clements has a doctorate in physics with classes and research in astronomy. He has been an amateur astronomer since the 1960's.

Planetarium/Observatory Overview

The Lueninghoener Planetarium opened its doors in 1965. It was designed by Dr. Gilbert Lueninghoener. He began the tradition of solid science education based programs. This tradition continues today. Groups are able to request programs on a variety of topics. Also, current astronomical events are often featured within the programs. The planetarium is utilized by Midland Lutheran College students, school groups, scouts, church groups, and the general public.

Midland Lutheran College appreciated the contribution of the Walter and Ruby Behlen family. Almost forty years of Midland Astronomy students have been able to use the Behlen Observatory. The Behlen Observatory/Telescopes are also available for use by community groups. On average, two times per year the Observatory/Telescopes are open to the public.

Apollo 11 Links

Apollo 11 40th Anniversary Main Page

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/apollo/40th/index.html

Several Links to Apollo Resources

http://astronomy.gpclements.com/solarsystem.html#apollo

Related Activities

Besides the planetarium, there are other activities to do while on campus. Groups are encouraged to take advantage of the Glismann Rock and Mineral Collection located in the Swanson Hall of Science hallway just east of the planetarium. Click here for more pictures.

Also, weather permitting, the Midland Lutheran College Heritage Arboretum has a variety of trees, shrubs and flowers. The majority of the specimens are labeled. More information on the arboretum can be obtained from Dr. Carlson (402) 941-6328 carlson@mlc.edu .

For complete information on the Arboretum visit our Arboretum website

Observatory/Planetarium E-Mailing List

If you would like to receive announcements about events taking place in the sky, and events taking place at the Midland Lutheran College observatory and planetarium, please send e-mail with your name to clements@mlc.edu. Please put “planetarium mailing list” in the subject line of the e-mail. You will receive about one e-mail each month. You can also check this web page ( www.mlc.edu/planetarium ) periodically for this information.

Your e-mail address will only be used for these astronomy announcements.

Dr. Greg Clements, Planetarium Director

Telephone: (402) 941-6353

Email: clements@mlc.edu

Office: 103 Swanson Hall of Science

Mailing address: Dr. Greg Clements
Midland Lutheran College
900 North Clarkson
Fremont, Nebraska 68025