Delta Dome public observation night

Delta College is pleased to announce the first public observation night at its newly constructed on-campus observatory, the Delta Dome. This event, open to all community members, is scheduled to take place on Friday, October 25, starting at 8 p.m., weather permitting. A backup date is set for Saturday, October 26.

Delta college to host inaugural Delta Dome public observation night

The Delta Dome features a state-of-the-art CDK700 telescope with a 28-inch mirror, installed by PlaneWave Instruments of Adrian, Michigan. Offering an impressive view of galaxies, nebulae, and other deep space objects, this telescope brings the wonders of the universe to the Great Lakes Bay Region. Years of planning and funding from Delta College, along with additional grants from the Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association (MESTA) and the Great Lakes Star Gaze Committee (GLSG), have made this observatory project possible, including the acquisition of a high-quality imaging camera.

“This observatory has been a dream in the making for over 20 years,” shared Kevin Dehne, Associate Professor of Astronomy and Physics. “We are excited to share this incredible resource with our students and the broader community. The Delta Dome will serve as a hub for astrophotography, astronomical research, and education.”

During the observation night, faculty will guide attendees as they view celestial bodies through the telescope. Monthly public observation events will be held at the Delta Dome, aligning with new Moon phases and favorable weather.

For more information on scheduled public events, please call 989-686-9232.

The Monster Light Show returns to Delta Planetarium for Halloween season

The Delta College Planetarium in Bay City is celebrating Halloween with its annual Monster Light Show, a music and light entertainment show designed for families and adults alike. The show plays every Saturday in October at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., from October 5 through October 26.

Audiences will enjoy a playlist of Halloween classics such as Bad Moon Rising, Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps), This Is Halloween, Monster Mash, Spirit in the Sky, and Thriller, set to immersive 3D animation and light effects inside the planetarium’s Dome360 Theater. Suited for family viewing, the visuals bring to life a variety of scenes, some spooky, some funny, and some dreamlike.

“While popular with families, we see all ages coming as well,” commented Mike Murray, Manager of the Planetarium. “It has become a classic favorite of the Halloween season, and we love that it draws such a wide audience. Some of the special effects are performed live, giving each show a unique flavor.”

Ticket information

Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children 3-18, seniors, students, and military. Tickets are available for purchase online or in person at the Delta College Planetarium at 100 Center Avenue in downtown Bay City. Due to intense sound and lighting, the show is not recommended for children under six.

For more information, visit the planetarium’s website or call 989-667-2260.

About the Delta College Planetarium

Located in downtown Bay City, the Delta College Planetarium invites visitors to explore the universe through its Dome360 shows and events. In addition to its entertainment offerings, the Planetarium serves as an educational hub where visitors of all ages can deepen their appreciation of science and space.

Funded by a NASA grant totaling $8.75 million in 1993, the Planetarium was designed by William Kessler & Associates of Michigan and built by Gregory Construction of Bay City. The architectural design, representing the future, has earned significant awards from the American Institute of Architects.

Read the full press release