ESU's Peterson Planetarium features 'Earthquake,' venue for February Science Saturday
Emporia, KS (01/29/2025) — The Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center is taking a short road trip for this month's special Science Saturday, which journeys into the world of physical science. The event will take place at ESU's Science Hall on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
In this free, hands-on event, guests can explore multiple stations led by ESU students and professors, including Mark Brown, Peterson Planetarium director, who will present a captivating planetarium show. Other stations include a variety of experiments that will culminate in a bubbly, possibly messy finale involving the creation of elephant toothpaste. Students of all ages are invited and asked to register individually at esuparoc.com.
Designed for children 7 and under, PAROC's Science Storytime gives younger students the opportunity to engage in science-themed activities including reading a story, singing songs, playing games and doing crafts. Two free sessions are available: Monday, Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. and Thursday, Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Both sessions are hosted at ESU's PAROC facility at 601 E. 18th Ave. Attendees are asked to register online at esuparoc.com and plan for caregivers to attend with their student.
The Peterson Planetarium is launching an all-dome presentation in February called "Earthquake: Evidence of a Restless Planet," narrated by Benjamin Bratt. This sweeping geological journey and seismic experience will see audiences fly over the San Andreas Fault, head inside the Earth's interior and time travel back to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake before witnessing the breakup of Pangaea 200 million years ago. Prior to the show, Brown will lead a live night sky presentation that includes stars, planets and constellations over Emporia.
"Earthquake: Evidence of a Restless Planet" has multiple convenient showtimes throughout February:
- Thursday, Feb. 6 at 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 15 at 10 a.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 20 at 4 p.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 27 at 4 p.m.
There is no charge, and anyone is invited to attend. Registration is available at emporia.edu/planetarium.
About Emporia State University
Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its institute and seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Library and Information Management & Library and Archives, Science & Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.
As the sole public university in Kansas to be recognized as a College of Distinction for eight consecutive years, ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.
For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.