HASTINGS, Neb., July 16, 2019 – The Hastings Museum is encouraging the Tri-cities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing by hosting a variety of events this weekend.

“We are so excited for this milestone.” said Becky Matticks, director of the Hastings Museum. “We’ll be incorporating our Planetarium, our new Dobsonian telescopes, and our super screen Theatre. So even if the clouds roll in, we can promise you the moon!” she said. The schedule of activities includes:

Planetarium Shows

  • Fri, July 19: 1, 2 & 3 p.m.
  • Sat, July 20: 3, 4 & 6 p.m.
  • Sun, July 21: 1, 2 & 3 p.m.

Each Planetarium show this weekend will include highlights of the Apollo 11 journey and high resolution photos of the moon. Planetarium shows are free to Museum Members and free to those who’ve paid daily Museum admission. No ticket required. Seating is first come, first served.

Pie & The Sky

This family event is on the eve of the moon landing. The Museum will assist with supervised star gazing (weather permitting), a planetarium program featuring high resolution photos of the moon, a craft for the kids and pie. The program is limited to the first 48 who enroll. The fee is $3 Members and $6 for Non-Members. This event is sponsored by Back Alley Bakery. The bakery is bringing cherry pie, apple pie, and homemade Moon Pies. One slice of pie is included in the program fee.
Special Film Booking

Apollo 11 (G)

Free to Museum Members and free with paid Museum admission. This documentary features original footage and seems custom shot for a super screen theater. It has a 90% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes. Sponsored by Hastings Museum Foundation.
Astronomy on Tap

Get a great look at the night sky with our new telescopes (weather permitting), and have a drink. Toast NASA with your friends. Planetarium staff will be on hand for questions. Admission is a freewill donation. Cash bar available. This is a 21+ Event. Sponsored by First Street Brewery.

And just for fun, the Elton John biopic Rocketman (R) will be featured on the Museum’s super screen July 18, 19, 21 and 25-27. According to Matticks, while this weekend brings extra focus to space exploration, the Museum works year around to get curious minds up close with images and information about space. Those activities include:

Planetarium Shows

A variety of programs are scheduled each week. Friday & Saturday at 1 and 2 p.m., and Sundays at 1:30 & 2:30 p.m. We feature full dome planetarium shows. The live Sky Tonight Show is presented by Planetarium staff. It provides an overview of which constellations, comets, and other heavenly bodies will be visible in that night’s sky. You’ll also receive information on current astronomical events such as eclipses. Planetarium shows are Free for Members and included with regular daily Museum Admission. Titles vary, see our full Planetarium schedule.

Moon Viewing

Special dates and times are announced on the Museum’s website and Facebook page when Moon viewing events are offered. These are always after sundown and always dependent on clear skies.

Solar Observing

Kids of all ages can get an up close look at the star at the center of our solar system. Hastings Museum has a specially equipped telescope that provides an opportunity to safely look directly at the sky’s most brilliant star. You’ll see the sun in rich, rewarding detail. Hastings Museum offers free observing the fourth Saturday of every month from 11 a.m. to noon, from April through September.

Special solar observing sessions are also scheduled during Kool-Aid Days.

Hastings Museum staff set up a telescope for solar viewing right on the front patio of the Museum.
Registration for many events can now be done online through a link on HastingsMuseum.org. With questions or to register over the phone, call (402) 461-2399.