Look to the Stars MHCC Planetarium

Are you looking for something to do after classes are done for the day? Perhaps you want to go watch something funny with the added benefit of learning something new?

Well, the Planetarium on the MHCC Gresham campus is the place for you. The director, Will Blackmore, balances humor and education very well, making for quite the amusing show for visitors. Each month he hosts shows on a different topic. It can be anything, from black holes and supernovas to the Fermi Paradox – which will be April’s show.

Each show runs in the same format: Blackmore will start off with some basic ground rules, then will ask the audience a question. The question leads into a fun star show, carrying the audience through the universe and solar system.

I’ve noticed he will switch up the animation every so often, which is a really nice touch. After the animation he will go over that month’s topic.

While I find the presentations to be very interesting no matter what the subject is, I’ve definitely been more intrigued about some topics than others – but that’s because nothing can beat black holes in coolness factor. With the exception of maybe the Fermi Paradox, which in very simple terms is the question of “If the universe is so big why haven’t we heard anything from another intelligent species?” – the subject of this month’s show.

Once the Planetarium show ends, there’s the chance to ask Blackmore some additional questions if you’d like. If you’re worried about cost, don’t: It’s only $2 if you’re a student, and $5 if you aren’t.

I really love attending these shows. It’s always nice to learn something, especially when you aren’t being graded for it. This is why I think it’s a great de-stresser after class. You gain knowledge and get to leave the anxiety of classes behind (unless you’re procrastinating on an essay that you should be doing instead; you should probably get on that.)

My only real complaint about the show is the Planetarium chairs, which make my back hurt, though I feel the same about all the chairs at MHCC – so that’s not a real issue.

The Planetarium is a great place to bring friends to. I always have someone come with me; it’s great because I have someone to ooh and ahh with me – which is very much encouraged – and I get to have someone to yap to afterwards who will actually understand what I’m talking about. Of course, in general it’s always great to share a neat experience with a friend.

The show times are the first and third Thursday every month, starting at 6:30 p.m. and repeating at 8 p.m., each show running for about an hour. I much prefer the early show because my brain likes to slow down significantly before 8 o’clock, and in all honesty I don’t like staying out very late.

Even if you don’t have that strong of an interest in astronomy, you can have fun and may even gain a newfound enthusiasm. Don’t worry if you don’t know much about the subject that’s being talked about – really, that would give you even more reason to show up.

You could make a full night out of it; I like bringing my grandma with me, and she likes going out for dinner beforehand. Just make sure to plan accordingly so you’re not rushing to the planetarium at 6:29.
In sum, the place is great, and you should absolutely check it out.

Justice Montell