Smith Planetarium, which draws crowds from all over North Georgia and as far as Chattanooga, is presenting the “Season of Light” program this holiday season.
Staff photo by Katie Ward
Smith Planetarium volunteers/retired educators Shirley and Jim Smith invite the public to a free planetarium show Dec. 14 and 16.The program’s final free shows Sunday, Dec. 14 and Tuesday, Dec 16 will take guests on an exploration of the history and customs of light during the winter.
“The ‘Season of Light’ primarily addresses the traditions we have in the United States during the holiday season in December,” said Planetarium volunteer Jim Smith. “It’s secular, it’s Christian, it is Jewish and it’s pagan, because all of those, whether we talk about the use of mistletoe, holly and Christmas trees … it’s a ‘Season of Light.’ All you have to do is drive down the road and you see that.”
Smith said all of these traditions are tied to many cultures, but all have astronomical significance.
The 35-minute program begins with a live survey of the sky that night. Then, a stargazing program highlights prominent and easy-to-find stars and constellations of the winter season.
if you goThe planetarium is at 409 Pond Springs Road south of Chickamauga. For more information, call 706-375-3493. Regular programs in the planetarium for school groups continue as usual. School groups from Walker, Catoosa, Hamilton and Whitfield counties can schedule a planetarium time by calling 706-375-7947.
Smith said spectators should expect to be in the planetarium for 55 minutes total.
“The Star of Bethlehem is covered in the ‘Season of Light,'” he said. “A lot of people like that part of the program. I think it will make this season of the year more meaningful to people if they come out to the ‘Season of Light’ Show. It’s free, but you can donate in a box.”
Donations will go to replacing projector lights that cost $500, as well as to other planetarium upkeep.