Hidden across UCLA’s exceptional campus are countless activities for students to enjoy in their free time. Whether you are waiting between classes or feeling adventurous after a long day, UCLA’s campus provides places to be and things to do. To narrow down your search for a perfect and free campus activity, the UCLA Planetarium is the place to be. The planetarium is usually led by graduate students, sharing their knowledge of the cosmos with audience members, regardless of the audience’s prior exposure to astronomy. This student-led activity is a relaxing way to utilize UCLA’s resources. The planetarium’s showings are every Wednesday night and are led by different students each time.
Instructor Jack Lubin stands against a mountainous backdrop from the 8th floor of the Math & Sciences Building, where the planetarium can be found. Photographed by Jaclyn Wang/BruinLife
Jack Lubin, a postdoctoral researcher in astrophysics , led a majestic showing of which I had the pleasure of attending. Lubin broke down each aspect into ways that the audience could understand — given the complexity of the subject. He tailored his material to his viewers and enlightened everyone by answering all sorts of questions regarding space. Lubin said, “We always start with a thirty-minute science talk, and then we turn out the lights, turn up the stars, talk about the constellations, mythology in the night sky, how to find things in the sky and a little bit of navigation.” While this is what the experience entails, there is much more than what meets the eye when it comes to astronomy and the subjects presented. The 30-minute introduction acted as a prologue, setting the scene for what was to come.
Lubin shared the myths surrounding Pluto and taught about the findings that prove Pluto not to be a planet. Jaws dropped and minds were blown at the discoveries Lubin shared. Lubin enjoys discussing, “things that are still mysteries, Earth’s place in the universe and in the solar system and if we are a common planet or if we are a rare planet.” While the unknowns surrounding the universe are never-ending, Lubin and other planetarium presenters serve as an avenue that transmits as many answers as possible about those unknowns. Through a cultural lens, Lubin said, “One of the most wonderful things about the night sky is that for all of human history across all civilizations, all peoples around the world, everyone has found stories in the night sky and have placed stories of their culture and people into the night sky.” Lubin emphasizes the idea that the sky connects all humans no matter the background or differences that may separate us.
At the heart of the planetarium's magic is the star projector, recreating the night sky on the inside of the dome. Photographed by Jaclyn Wang/BruinLife
The planetarium; an unassuming building during the day, but a host of celestial wonder at night.
Photographed by Jaclyn Wang/BruinLIfe
Audrey O’Connor, an audience member and third-year student said, “I loved this activity because it was relaxing, and it wasn’t overwhelming like a basketball or football game can be. I loved finding a new hidden spot on an unexpected rooftop of the Mathematical Sciences Building and meeting new people while waiting for the show to start.” The typical campus activity, as O’Connor mentioned, includes sports games and theater performances. The UCLA Planetarium is a different but equally enjoyable activity that allows you to switch up your idea of a good time. Watching sports games and theater performances are showcases of individual talent. Players practice and prepare for a game, and similarly, astronomers practice and prepare to showcase their talents as well. When it came to the audience’s impressions of Lubin’s skillful showing, every single person in the room was undoubtedly inspired.
The planetarium show had only one empty seat, highlighting the fascination surrounding this free activity. When asked if she would still pay money to attend the show, O’Connor said that she absolutely would. Supporting graduate students in a showcase of their expertise is a good feeling, and their level of professionalism is unmatched.
Lubin said, “There is this innate human need to see ourselves in the heavens, and I hope people will take a moment and reflect on that. It’s humbling.” A planetarium show is an illuminating experience that allows one to zoom out of their current headspace and look at something largely intangible — something no sports game could do.
