Coshocton Planetarium plans Christmas shows

The Coshocton Planetarium will show the program “Season of Light” during the Christmas season.

This presentation traces the history and development of many of the world's most enduring holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter sky — from the burning of the Yule log, sparkling Christmas tree lights and candles in the windows to the lighting of luminaries in the American Southwest and the traditional ritual of the Hanukkah Menorah.

The show also recounts the historical religious and cultural rituals practiced during the time of the winter solstice — not only Christian and Jewish, but also Celtic, Nordic, Roman, Irish, Mexican and Hopi. It also takes a look at some of the more light-hearted seasonal traditions: from gift-giving and kissing under the mistletoe to decking the halls with greenery and candles. St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas and Santa Claus all drop by as well.

There also is astronomy in the "Season of Light." The audience will learn a selection of the northern hemisphere constellations and find out why there are seasons, as they demonstrate the sun's path across the sky and the Earth's tilt and orbit around the sun. The program also explores the possible astronomical explanation for the “Star of Bethlehem” in the last quarter of the show: comets, meteors, novae, supernovae and planetary conjunctions.

The shows will be held at the Coshocton Planetarium. The shows will be on the following dates: Monday through Wednesday, Dec. 8-10 and Monday through Tuesday, Dec. 15-16. All shows will begin at 7 p.m. The shows are free, but reservations must be made by going online to www.Coshoctonplanetarium.com.

The Coshocton Planetarium is located on the fourth level of Coshocton High School. Parking is available on this level. If you must cancel your reservation, call the high school's principal office at 740-622-9433 and talk to Molly.