The VSU Planetarium exhibited “The Cold Blue Spheres of Mars” on Oct. 12 at 7, 8 and 9 p.m.

“I was happy we were able to have three shows,” Dr. Martha Leake, professor of astronomy, said. “It was a little lighter than some of our past programs but it was the night of the Winnersville Classic and the first Friday of the fall break. I think it was pretty good considering those possibilities. It was very nice to see.”

Dr. Leake started the show by giving audience members an in depth look into the night sky that they were so used to seeing.

Dr. Leake proved that the night sky was actually comprised of planets hidden to the naked eye, constellations of all sorts and galaxies of near and far.

“I thought it was great,” Ethan Nino, a junior aerospace engineering major, said.

Audience members were then transported from Earth to Mars where they gazed upon Earth’s surface as if they actually left their home planet.

“I like to come with my family,” Dr. Linda de la Garza, a faculty member from VSU’s chemistry department, said. “I bring my two kids and we all enjoyed the show very much.”

Leake used a slideshow to inform audience members about the atmosphere, seasons and rotation of Mars.

“We are actively exploring Mars both by rovers, cameras and researchers here who are making sense of the new data from this planet,” Dr. Leake said.

“It’s very exciting,” Amber Hudson, a sophomore fine arts major, said. “It explained Mars very well and the new equipment that they just landed there.”

According to Dr. Leake, Opportunity and Spirit rover landed in 2004 and detected what would later become the “Cold Blue Spheres of Mars.”

“The Cold Blue Spheres of Mars” refers to small spherical shaped particles made of a mineral probably called hematite,” Dr. Leake said. “Fragile blue berries– blue because color was stretched to bring out the difference between minerals. If we were to go to Mars they would be red.”

After the show, audience members were led to the roof to the Observatory where they were able to end their night by looking through telescopes at stars, galaxies and planets.

“It was very nice– different to be in South Georgia,” Cynthia Ellis said. “It’s very nice for a college to have such an exhibit going on that’s free and open to the public. Kudos to VSU!”

“Well I hope they have an appreciation for what Curiosity rover is doing now and the fact that the Opportunity rover is still contributing a tremendous amount,” Dr. Leake said. “It is truly exciting and I look forward to seeing the new pictures every day. I hope it was energizing to everybody else as well.”

If you missed the “Cold Blue Spheres of Mars” you’ll get another chance to experience the magic of Planetarium shows by seeing “The Star of Bethlehem” on Nov. 30