CLARION – Clarion University Planetarium will once again present Season of Light, a festive 40-minute program that traces the development of many of the world’s most endearing holiday customs, at 7 p.m. Dec. 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 10 in the Joseph P. Grunenwald Center for Science and Technology.
As visitors gaze into the winter sky, they will hear the stories behind holiday customs still observed today, from the burning Yule log, sparkling Christmas tree lights and candles in windows, to the lighting of luminarias in the American Southwest and the traditional ritual of the Hanukkah Menorah.
Sharon Montgomery, chair of the physics department and director of the planetarium, said Clarion has presented the show for most of the last five years, except when the planetarium was under renovation. It’s a show that both children and adults enjoy.
“It’s heartwarming. It’s very sweet, very festive,” Montgomery said. “It will get you in the mood for the holidays.”
In addition to exploring holiday customs, Season of Light also shows the winter constellations and talks about why the sun appears to do what it does in the winter, she said.
Season of Light is narrated by Noah Adams, National Public Radio’s National Desk senior correspondent. The family-oriented show is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; no one will be allowed entrance once the show has begun.Â
The planetarium is on the second floor of the Science and Technology Center. An elevator is located at the north end of the building. Parking will be available in Lot 12, behind Marwick-Boyd Fine Arts Center; and Lot 11, across the street from Tippen Gymnasium.Â
For information, call Montgomery at 814-393-1899.
