This hour-long Valentine's Day program will highlight romantic astronomical objects that appear throughout the year.
Planetarium director Jean Creighton will shift the night’s sky three times to showcase constellations, planets, and galaxies that are mythically tied to love. The audience will learn about Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, who transformed herself and her son, Eros, into fish to hide from the monstrous Typhon. The fish, Pisces, can be seen in the Fall. The Roman rendition of the goddess of love and beauty, Venus, gave her name to the brightest planet in the sky. Ironically, Venus is an extremely hostile environment with scorching temperatures. When viewing the fall sky visitors will be enchanted by the Andromeda constellation. According to Greek mythology, Andromeda was heroically saved by her love interest Perseus from the grips of the sea monster. Audience members of all ages will enjoy learning new narratives and remembering old favorites that illuminate love in the stars.
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Last Updated: December 12, 2010