News Summary
The Orange Coast College Planetarium is set to reopen on Saturday after upgrades to its projector system. Featuring a new six-projector setup, the planetarium promises a brighter and sharper experience. The grand reopening includes free screenings of three educational films, family-friendly activities, and free parking. Join in the fun from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and explore the cosmos in a family-oriented environment, complete with hands-on activities for kids and a chance to learn about astronomy.
Exciting News for Costa Mesa! Planetarium Reopens with a Bang
Hey there, Costa Mesa! Get ready to look up because the Orange Coast College Planetarium is reopening its doors this Saturday after a brief closure to upgrade its projector system. Yes, you heard that right! The beloved destination for stargazers, school groups, and families alike is back, and it’s better than ever.
What’s New at the Planetarium?
After sending equipment to Sony in Los Angeles for new parts, the planetarium now boasts an upgraded six-projector system. This means the colors are brighter, the images are sharper, and the experience is just out of this world! Jessica Artinger, who keeps everything running smoothly at the planetarium, noted that the darkness inside the dome is darker, making those celestial displays even more vibrant. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it!
Grand Reopening Details
The grand reopening event is taking place this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and you’re invited to join the fun! To celebrate, there will be free screenings of three feature-length films that will transport you into the realms of earth science, astronomy, and space exploration:
- “Magic Tree House: Space Mission” – Screening at noon and 3 p.m.
- “Birth of Planet Earth” – Screening at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
- “Habitat Tierra” – A fascinating Spanish-language film exploring delicate ecological systems.
To secure your spot, you can reserve seats online at occtickets.universitytickets.com or simply show up and join the standby line on the day of the event. It’s sure to be a fun-filled day, so plan ahead!
Fun for the Whole Family
That’s not all! There will be a ton of family-friendly activities to keep the kiddos entertained while you enjoy the show. Some activities include:
- Creating your very own NASA-style mission coins
- Peeking through solar telescopes to get a look at our nearest star
- A visit to OCC’s Dennis Kelly Aquarium to learn about marine life
- Crafting your very own jellyfish to take home
Doesn’t that sound amazing? It’s a perfect way to mix fun and learning while spending quality time together as a family.
Parking Made Easy
And here’s good news for those driving down! You can park for free in Lot E off Merrimac Way, so no worries about where to leave your car.
A Hub for Learning
The planetarium has been a hotspot for over 40,000 visitors each year and has a special place in the hearts of many in Orange County, especially for school field trips. Initially opened in 2019, it has persevered through closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is now bouncing back stronger than ever.
Beyond the Reopening
But wait, the fun doesn’t stop there! The planetarium will continue to host special events ranging from lunar eclipse viewings to exciting shows featuring music and mesmerizing laser light displays. There’s so much to look forward to!
So, gather your family, mark your calendars, and get ready for a day of exploration amongst the stars. With its stellar upgrades and engaging activities, the Orange Coast College Planetarium is the place to be this weekend!
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: OCC Planetarium Reopens
- Google Search: OCC Planetarium
- Orange County Register: See the Stars at OCC Planetarium
- Google Scholar: OCC Planetarium
- Attractions Management: OCC Planetarium Construction Complete
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Planetarium
- Los Angeles Times: Blood Moon Eclipse at OCC Planetarium
