WKU News

WKU's Hardin Planetarium is open and presenting Celebrations for a Long Winter’s Night, every Tuesday and Thursday night at 7 and Sunday afternoon at 2 through Jan. 7.

Celebrations For a Long Winter's Night is one of Hardin Planetarium's most popular presentations, exploring why mid-December is the time for so many warm and bright celebrations and what astronomy can tell us about the story of the Christmas Star.

The planetarium reopened to the public in August 2020, with safety as its primary concern. Masks are worn at all times within the building. Governor Beshear's current order limits capacity to 25, which provides for substantial distancing in the planetarium’s large space. Guest names and phone numbers are collected for contact tracing, and seating is assigned by planetarium volunteers. Shortly before the show, attendees are guided to their assigned seats within the star chamber’s dome. While waiting to be seated, guests are encouraged to explore the space exhibits of the Ring Hall, though all guests must move counter-clockwise through the circular space. 

As with all public shows at Hardin Planetarium, Celebrations for a Long Winter’s Night is offered at no cost, with no ticket required and no reservations accepted.  No shows are presented on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve. The planetarium is located at 1501 State St.

More information is available by calling (270) 745-4044 or visiting the planetarium website at https://www.wku.edu/hardinplanetarium/

Contact: Chris Chandler, (270) 745-4044