‘Haunted Planetarium’ to feature spooky science, ghostly hall of astronomers

CHAPEL HILL -- No witches and goblins will be in attendance, but plenty of spooky science will be on display as the University at North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Morehead Planetarium and Science Center hosts its second-annual Haunted Planetarium this month.

In the days leading up to Halloween, this alternative to the classic haunted house will feature spooky science and aliens in place of bats and witches. Aimed at children in kindergarten through fifth grade, the Haunted Planetarium will allow visitors to simulate time travel through different sections of the Morehead Center, visiting scientists of the past and laboratories of the future.

"Before entering, guests can try out experiments in a tent we will have set up at the entrance," said Haunted Planetarium producer Leesie Mappes, a UNC senior from Durham. "It’s going to be a really fun, new way for the center to celebrate Halloween while still fulfilling our role as a science educator."

The Haunted Planetarium will feature interactive science exhibits, a tour through a ghostly hall of astronomers, a trip to an extraterrestrial robot base and a 10-minute planetarium show, "Spooky Skies."

The Haunted Planetarium runs 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 24 through 27, and the 29^th and 30^th.

Tickets are $10 for the public and $6 for Morehead Center members. Since tickets are to be allocated on a timed-entry basis, those interested in attending the Haunted Planetarium should specify whether they intend to arrive at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. when purchasing tickets. Tickets are available in advance in the Morehead Center gift shop or at the door on the day of the planned visit.

The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is located at 250 E. Franklin St. For more information, click on www.moreheadplanetarium.org.

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Morehead Center contact: Jeff Hill, (919) 843-7995 or jeff_hill@unc.edu