MHCC Planetarium aims to engage everyone from enthusiasts to aspiring astronomers, June show will explore recent Artemis II journey around the Moon

By Brit Allen, Sandy Standard

Whether you were the kid with a telescope and glow-in-the-dark stars on your ceiling or you only have a dabbler’s interest in space, William Blackmore has tried to curate his planetarium shows for you.  

A graduate and longtime faculty member of Mt. Hood Community College, Blackmore has been involved with the planetarium since 2013, and director since 2023. During the academic year, he hosts shows open to the public every month, with a goal of not only educating but engaging people on a variety of astronomical topics. 

“I enjoy interacting and interfacing with the public and getting people to feel that spark and wonder about their place in the universe,” Blackmore said. 

In May, Blackmore presented two days of shows on galactic seeds, or super massive black holes, and expounded on new research questioning the historical belief that super massive black holes are at the center of all of our galaxies. 

For the last show of this academic year, at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday, June 4, Blackmore will present There and Back Again: An Artemis II Tale. This show will go over the recent Artemis II journey around the moon. 

“We'll be reviewing footage from the mission, the science that was performed, and discussing the future of Artemis,” he explained. “Join us to see the beautiful crescent Earth from space and an eclipse from the far side of the Moon. I chose this topic because of how exciting it is and of the hope that it brings. This monumental achievement is an example of what humanity can do when we focus on a goal.” 

Tickets for planetarium shows are available at the door. Doors open 15 minutes before show time. Admission for adults is $5, for students it is $2, and kids 15 and under with an accompanying adult can attend free of charge (with a maximum of two children per accompanying adult).

Each show includes a presentation and Q&A portion. 

“I often choose the shows I want to learn more about. I try to access that part of people, engage people on a philosophical level,” Blackmore explained. “When we say we’re stardust, it’s not just poetry; we are all formed from a star. If you choose to see a show, come with a healthy sense of curiosity.” 

More information on the planetarium and shows, visit mhcc.edu/community-resources/planetarium-sky-theatre.