Actual Stars

It’s one thing to have stars in your eyes and quite another to look up and actually watch the stars. Of course, unless one knows something about the heavens, it’s hard to distinguish between the Big Dipper and the Milky Way. But star-struck fans can get a sensational view of the summer night sky — and an understanding of those brilliant lights — from 10 to 11 a.m. every Wednesday at the KCMSD Planetarium, located at the Southwest Early College Campus at 6512 Wornall. The programs, led by Planetarium Director Bob Riddle, are free and completely family-friendly, according to Kansas City School District media-relations specialist Mary Spencer. “I’ve seen children as young as 4 years old spellbound by the program,” she says. Riddle begins with a short talk, shows a video, then displays the July sky — with particular attention to the brightest stars, planets and constellations. Back on Earth, free parking is adjacent to the planetarium.

Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. Starts: July 1. Continues through July 29, 2009