ISU Planetarium showcases educational show on outer space

NORMAL – The Illinois State Planetarium hosted their Phantom of the Universe: The Hunt for Dark Matter show on Saturday.

It showcased the exploration of dark matter, The Big Bang theory and it’s anticipated discovery at the Large Hardon Collider. The show was narrated by Academy Award winner, Tilda Swinton. 

Vincent Manzella, a physics major at ISU, is the planetarium assistant and this was his second time ever running the show. After each program, Manzella explores the highlights found in the evening sky.

He discussed the stars, constellations and planets that are visible from Bloomington, Normal. Manzella says that it was a basic instinct to work at the planetarium.

“The first time I walked into the planetarium and he opened up the stars for the first time, I told myself I had to work here”.

Manzella added that he enjoys working at the planetarium as it allows him to get hands-on experience while working in an environment that he loves.  

Phantom of the Universe will showcase every Saturday from 2-3 p.m. until May 24th. Excluding the weekend of Spring Break and Easter.