Astronomy Department

School Shows

Bellevue College's Astronomy Department invites you and your students to experience the wonders of our solar system…

under our planetarium skies.

In our planetarium we are able to recreate the clear night sky, which enables students to explore the stars and constellations. After the current constellations are pointed out, the focus will shift to the Sun and the nine planets in our Solar System. The latest NASA images will be shown, and the nature of each planet discussed. This live presentation is suggested for second grade students and up.

• Maximum number : Our planetarium seats 60. The total number of students, teachers, and chaperones may not exceed 60.

• Times: All of our presentations are 45 minutes in length, and take place from 10:30am to 11:15am, Monday through Friday while school is in session. Presentations must begin at 10:30, so we suggest that each class arrive 10 minutes early.

• Reservations : All shows are booked on a first-come first-served basis and must be made at least three weeks in advance. You may call 425-564-5282 for a recorded message about the shows and further information about booking a show.

• Cost : The cost is $150 for the 45 minute Solar System presentation.

Available show topics:

The Sky Tonight (all ages)

It may be raining or cloudy outside, yet at the BCC planetarium we can bring out the stars. Enjoy the sky tonight with constellations, planets and the moon. Learn about seasonal constellations and related stories, enjoy a meteor show and discover different stars in the sky.

Solar System (all ages)

Observe the planets up close and personal at the BCC planetarium. Discover unique facts for each planet and how our solar system evolved. What would we find if we landed a probe on some distant planet – come and find out!

Galaxies (4^thgrade and older)

Earth lies in the Solar System at the edge of the Milky Way Galaxy. Yet what other galaxies are the Milky Way’s neighbors in distant constellations? And what do they look like? Travel into the universe to learn more about galaxies and explore their neighborhood.

Black Holes (2^nd grade and older)

There are monsters in space – great gravity engines that suck everything in its path. They come alive from death – the death of a once live, vibrant star. We call these space monsters black holes! Discover how black holes came into existence, what they are, and how they exist in space. Will man ever get near a black hole, and if we could, what would it be like?

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Badge Requirements

In this program, specific requirements will be met for the Boy Scout’s Astronomy and the Girl Scout’s Sky Search badges. The program will cover constellations, star color and magnitude, constellation seasonal variations in the sky, planets and moon phases.

Special Shows

Special shows can be arranged for evenings and weekends, providing a showgiver is available. Topics can be any of the topics for the school shows, and other topics can be requested. Cost for a special show is $250. Additional shows given on the same night are $150 each. To request a special show call the BCC science division at 425-564-2321. The secretaries will write down your requested times and topics, and you will be contacted later about the availability of a showgiver.

Public Shows

There are no public shows scheduled at this time.

Check back soon.

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