A group of students and visitors sat in reclining chairs and stared in awe of the world as we know it—and this was only the beginning.
Astronomy professor Dale Fields hosted a Planetarium Show on April 16 at the Center for the Sciences (CFS). Pierce College has held the planetarium shows for many years—every semester—and the timing of the event was significant. The show was followed by Telescope Night on Thursday at 8 p.m. on the second floor balcony of the CFS.
A group of about 40 astronomy buffs attended this free outdoor community event on a clear, cool night.
“This is STEM week,” Fields said. “We wanted to make sure that people got a chance to see a more science-oriented kind of program.”
Fields started the show by directing the audience’s attention to astrological signs. Projected onto the ceiling were the constellations, as well as different stars.
The view of the stars was shown at different times of the evening, ranging from sundown to the middle of night.
Fields narrated the display as they guided the audience through the space beyond Earth.
“I wanted them to see how amazing the Universe is and the wonder we can find just from looking at all of these things that are magnificent,” Fields said.
Fields went on to describe other components of the Universe such as galaxies, planets, stars and comets.
Aside from the fascination with what lies beyond Earth, the study of astronomy is important to understanding how it affects people’s lives.
According to Dartmouth University, “Even though astronomy and physics are intimately co-mingled, they are not quite the same. Astronomy, in contrast, is concerned with a particular object which we find—the Universe—and everything in it.”
Taylor Phillip, a member of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society, shared his fascination with astronomy.
“Astronomy has been in my family for almost 300 years. I was born into it,” Phillip said. “I’ve attended thousands of these. They [Dale Fields] are one of the best lecturers.”
Attendee Eric McKenny is also an avid follower of planetary studies and has organized similar events in the past, and was impressed with this exhibit.
“The change of scale from the cosmic all the way to the planetary scale was phenomenal,” McKenny said.
The audience ranged from young children to adults, and attendees took turns looking through advanced telescopes focused on the Moon and a nebula.
Fields enjoys sharing their passion with students and community members alike.
“We’re a community college,” Fields said. “Pierce should be connected to the neighborhoods and the people that live around us.”
