Family Nights
The WVHS Planetarium welcomes the public to Family Nights, which are monthly programs are created for everyone (not just families). Each month has a new theme (see schedule for details).
When - 1st Friday of the Month (except holiday weekends) See Schedule
Time - 6:00 pm & 7:00 pm (except Dec.)
Duration - ~50 minutes
Admission - $2 per seat (small children on laps are free)
Seating - First-come-first-serve (No reservations)
**If for any reason Indian Prairie School District 204 closes schools, Family Night Programs are canceled. They will not be rescheduled.**
Family Nights for 2010-2011
September 17 "That's Loony"
A Total Lunar Eclipse on December 21st will be visible throughout the United States. Be the first to know when, what to look for, and why. Following Family Night on Sept. 17th, the Naperville Astronomical Association will set up telescopes outside the planetarium (WEATHER PERMITTING). The telescope portion is free of charge and will start around 8:00pm (after sunset). If the sky is not clear, cancellation notifications will appear on the planetarium's website. *Not all Family Nights have the NAA telescopes.
October 1 "Harry Potter & Halloween"
Examine the astronomy connections to Harry Potter and Halloween.
November 5 "Legends of the Night Sky"
Wonderful mythological stories surround the constellations we see at night. Orion (the hunter) and Andromeda (the princess) are two legendary constellations with stories of heroism, love, and humor. This program is especially for the young audience.
December 3 "George & Oatmeal Save Santa"
Oh no! Santa is lost. He forgot his star map at home. It is up to a snowman named Oatmeal and a planetarium wizard named George to find Santa and help him find the North Pole. This 30 minute program is especially for the young audience. Program Times: 5:30, 6:00, 6:30 pm
January 7 "Native American Sky Stories"
Listen to Native American sky stories as you sit under the stars in the planetarium. In modern astronomy, the names of the stars and constellations come from Greek and Roman myths. Native Americans saw the same stars, but created images and stories of their own. Explore a new way to see the sky as you are immersed into the magic of storytelling.
February 4
March 4 "There once was a Sky Full of Stars"
The title of this Family Night comes from the children's book written by Bob Crelin about light pollution. Discover the beauty of a dark night sky and why we don't see many stars because of light pollution.
April 8 "Top 10 Astronomy Misconceptions"
After presenting hundreds of programs during the school year, the planetarium director selects 10 misconceptions from visitors of all ages. Come learn about these common mistakes in a fun and educational way. The program will conclude with a tour of the current night sky and highlights for summer stargazing. This is the last Family Night for the 2010-2011 school year.