Mesa Community College invites you to explore the amazing Universe in our state-of-the-art MCC Planetarium!

Our Astronomy Nights are usually the first Friday of the Month. Dates of upcoming Astronomy Nights are:

December 4, 2009, February 5 and March 5, 2010

Planetarium shows begin at 6:00pm and repeat every half hour. The last show begins at 9:30pm and ends at 10:00pm. FREE show tickets are handed out at the event on a first-come, first-served basis. Wait times are usually no more than 30 minutes. If a staff member does not approach you about tickets during the event, please ask for them!

No reservations are required. However, if you plan to bring a group of 20 or more, please contact Dr. Kevin Healy with the showing you plan to attend so we can hold tickets for your group.

The show for December is a double feature! We are excited to present again our very own Sky Myths of the Ancient Maya and the popular Stars of the Pharoahs

Sky Myths will play at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 pm.

Each show will last 20 minutes.

What did the ancient Maya know of the sky and how was astronomy woven into their culture and myths? Learn about the importance of astronomy to the Maya, witness the Mayan creation story, and visit the ancient city of Palenque.

Stars of the Pharoahs will play at 6:20, 7:20, 8:20, and 9:20pm.

Each show will last 40 minutes.

Stars of the Pharoahs describes the connection between astronomy and the culture and religion of the ancient Egyptians.

Children under 12 years old may not understand the complex content of this show, but they may love the beautiful temples and tombs of this ancient land.

There will be no January show during MCC's Winter Break.

The show for February is: To Be Determined

 

During Astronomy Nights, we also offer telescope viewing of the Moon, planets, and other celestial sights. Unlike the planetarium shows, telescope viewing will only occur if the weather permits.

Astronomy Nights are held at the Physical Science Building (PS 15) just west of Dobson Road, two traffic lights south of Southern Avenue. Please see the map for our location on MCC's Southern & Dobson campus.

Free parking is available in the lot just south of the Physical Science Building.

Location:

Southern & Dobson Physical Science Building / PS15   map

Contact:

Kevin Healy
Planetarium Director
Office: Southern & Dobson Physical Science Building 15, Room 239
Phone: 480-461-7027
E-mail: khealy@mesacc.edu

Kelli Santistevan
Administrative Secretary - Day
Phone: 480-461-7015
E-mail: santistevan@mesacc.edu

Jared Castro
Administrative Secretary - Evening
Phone: 480-461-7038