Under the Stars and Beyond: Wayne State's Planetarium Offers a Galaxy of Weekend Fun

Honestly, when was the last time you truly looked up? I mean, really, really looked up at the vast, shimmering canvas of our night sky? For many of us, it’s been a while, a fleeting thought maybe between errands or screen time. But what if I told you there’s a place, right here in Wayne, Nebraska, that invites you — and your entire family — to not just look up, but to journey through the cosmos, all while grooving to some epic tunes? Because, in truth, that’s precisely what’s happening at the Fred G. Dale Planetarium at Wayne State College.

Dr. Todd Young, the mastermind behind the Planetarium, has clearly cooked up something special. You see, this isn't your grandpa's stuffy astronomy lecture. Oh no, not by a long shot. Instead, imagine a weekend — maybe last weekend, or perhaps the one just around the corner — where you can embark on an interstellar adventure one moment, then be swept away by a rock-and-roll laser spectacle the next. It’s a delightful, slightly chaotic, and utterly brilliant blend of education and pure, unadulterated fun.

Think about it: during the day, or perhaps earlier in the evening, the Planetarium often offers journeys like "Attack of the Space Pirates." Now, doesn’t that just sound like a blast for the younger crowd? It’s astronomy, yes, but it’s wrapped up in a story, making those distant galaxies and swirling nebulae feel a little less intimidating, a lot more exciting. And for us adults, well, it’s a wonderful excuse to rediscover that childlike wonder we sometimes misplace.

But then, as dusk settles, or perhaps even earlier depending on the schedule, the real magic—or maybe it's just pure spectacle—unfurls. The laser shows! You might find yourself headbanging to the powerful anthems of Queen, or maybe swaying along to the pop perfection of Taylor Swift, or perhaps even getting lost in the iconic riffs of Metallica. And yes, for the truly timeless, there are even laser tributes to The Beatles. It’s an auditory and visual feast, a vibrant ballet of light and sound that transforms the dome into a pulsating, living canvas.

It’s more than just an event; it's an experience. One that encourages curiosity, sparks joy, and honestly, just provides a fantastic reason to gather the family and do something wonderfully different. So, next time you're pondering weekend plans, maybe, just maybe, point your compass — or your car — towards Wayne State College. You might just find yourself discovering a whole new universe of fun, and perhaps, even a little bit of yourself, under those dazzling laser stars. It's really quite something, you could say."