Planetarium announces spring public shows

The Spanel Planetarium on the Western Washington University campus will be holding public shows on April 15, May 6, May 20, June 3 and June 17.

The presentation currently features a live astronomer star talk with question-and-answer time, along with the feature length full-dome movie "Stars of the Pharaohs." That film takes viewers on a trip to ancient Egypt to see how science was used to tell time, make a workable calendar and align huge buildings. Viewers will learn about the connection the ancient Egyptians felt with the stars and various astronomical phenomena. And thanks to the time the production team spent on location in Egypt taking photographs and measurements, they'll see some of the most spectacular temples and tombs of the ancient world recreated in their original splendor. Narrated by John Rhys-Davies, Sallah from the Indiana Jones films and Gimli from The Lord of the Rings films.

All shows begin at 6 p.m., and there is no admission after the show starts. For ages 8 years and older.