The Midland University Lueninghoener Planetarium will be hosting a pair of shows on Saturday, July 31st at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Shows will be under the direction of Dr. Ken Murphy, Professor of Physics/Planetarium at Southwest Minnesota State University and Midland alumnus Jack Dunn ‘69, who led the Mueller Planetarium at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for 42 years.
The afternoon show features a Grand Tour of the Universe which will involve a star projector and the full-dome system. Visitors will take a trip to the edge of the universe using a simulator system that will take them from Earth to the planets, through the Milky Way, and the galaxies.
A laser show set to the music of Tom Petty will highlight the evening performance. “It’s a show I just finished creating and will be showing to planetariums in several states,” Dunn said. “This will be the premiere of the show.”
Dunn got his start in the planetarium profession under the guidance of Dr. Gilbert Lueninghoener, a former professor at Midland. “His principles of presentation and enthusiasm for science guided me through my career,” Dunn said. “Even in retirement, I continue to be involved with the planetarium and laser display communities.
“This is a way for me to give back to Midland and honor the institution that helped guide me. I hope the work I have contributed to the planetarium will continue to inspire students now, and in the future.
Each show lasts about 45 minutes and both shows are open to the public.
