Tri-Cities planetarium reopens after 2 years. Catch a film and learn about the night sky

The Columbia Basin College planetarium in Pasco is reopening to the public after being closed to most events for more than two years.

“We are readier than ever to once again be able to teach, engage and captivate our visitors of all ages, and to help inspire a new generation of students to look up,” said Erin Steinert, director of the planetarium and observatory.

At 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9, the planetarium will screen the film “Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity.” It is narrated by actor Liam Neeson.

The Bechtel National Planetarium will follow that with 18 films scheduled for 7 p.m. the first and third Fridays of the month and the second and fourth Saturdays.

They will cover a wide range of scientific topics for different ages. Screenings will include live presentations of the night sky, with information on the positions of planets, stars and constellations.

Upcoming films include the animated “Cell! Cell! Cell!”; “Kaluoka’hina: The Enchanted Reef”; and “Apollo 11: Man’s First Step onto the Moon”.

All tickets must be ordered in advance through Tix, which includes a rundown of films through June.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for ages 60 and up, and $5 for children.

No more than 24 hours before arriving on the CBC campus a form must be signed to show they are not likely to have COVID-19. No refunds will be given to those who don’t sign the form.