ESU's Peterson Planetarium spotlights Moon missions in March
Emporia, KS (03/02/2026) — It's a month of lunar excitement as the Moon becomes the focus of attention with a lunar eclipse, the first crewed mission to the Moon and the March featured Peterson Planetarium show, "Forward! To the Moon."
As the world watches for the launch of Artemis II, the first crewed mission in NASA's plan to return to the moon, "Forward! To the Moon" traces humanity's past, present and future journeys to Earth's nearest celestial neighbor. From the Apollo era to today's bold ambitions of the Artemis program, this immersive show places you at the heart of the action, rocketing beyond Earth and into lunar orbit while imagining the next giant leap for humankind.
Hosted by Kari Byron from Crash Test World and Mythbusters, the fulldome presentation offers science and space enthusiasts of all ages the chance to learn about and experience humanity's next step in establishing a sustainable presence on the Moon and beyond.
Each public show includes an exploration of the night sky over Emporia with Mark Brown, director of Emporia State University's Peterson Planetarium, followed by a Q&A session.
Peterson Planetarium is located in ESU's Science Hall, Room 031. Seating is limited and each attendee must register individually by visiting emporia.edu/planetarium.
Showtimes:
- Thursday, March 5 at 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 11 at 6 p.m.
- Thursday, March 12 at 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 25 at 6 p.m.
- Saturday, March 28 at 10 a.m.
There are no shows from March 14 to March 22 due to spring break.
For more space-themed events and activities leading up to the ARISS, or Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, contact day, visit https://emporia.link/arissevents. The groundbreaking event features local students interacting with a crewmember on the International Space Station as it passes over Emporia. NASA has not yet set the exact date.
About Emporia State University
Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Library and Information Management and Library and Archives, Science and Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.
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.
Emporia State University
Gwendolynne Larson, ESU director of media relations, (620) 341-5528, glarson1@emporia.eduShare this Story
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