Under the night sky, anything seems possible. And today, we’re moving through that sky at a pleasant pace, taking in all of the different stars. We’ve just left Earth, and its stunning array of blue and green hues is slowly fading away as we head outwards. Moments later, the dusky silhouette of Jupiter appears, but we’ve hardly had a chance to admire its storms before we’re off again, heading for an even more distant destination.
We’re slowly closing in on Pluto, its jagged mountains and deep, dipping craters swooping towards us. For just a moment, we graze the surface, grayish-red and eerily empty; then we bounce back up, past the moon of Charon, and off beyond the stars to the vast reaches of space, where only mysteries remain.
In just one hour, we make our way through the universe and back, learning of its secrets, but to know which particular treats you’ll encounter, you need only check the Pierce College Science Dome schedule!
Never A Dull Moment At The Pierce College Science Dome
With a unique mix of digital effects, award-winning films, and remarkably in-depth storytelling, the venue brings all of the excitement of a science museum to a smaller community setting. The result is a welcoming space focused on the sheer excitement of sharing knowledge, from scientific breakthroughs to untold tales of the world around us.
As the name suggests, the Dome is located on the Pierce College campus, so it only makes sense that there would be strong connections to the educational community. Of course, you’ll find plenty of school tours on any given day, ranging from elementary-age to college.
They also offer private tours and “Virtual Field Trips,” which bring the programming directly to the classroom, and during the summer months, Space Camp allows kids to explore the universe in-depth.
And, of course, anyone can attend the public shows held every Friday and Saturday night. This is where you can traverse the reaches of space and time, and the possibilities are endless, with each weekend offering fresh surprises.
Follow the paths of traditional wayfinders as they use the stars to map journeys across the ocean or get sucked into the mysterious, undulating center of a black hole (with safe passage out the other side, of course).
Do some planet-hopping on a tour around the solar system, or stay closer to home with a deep dive into the many amazing systems that make up our own climate.
If you’re more of an audiophile, bask in the surreal pairing of interstellar scenes with the music of Led Zeppelin. And if you’re visiting with any youngsters, don’t miss the Wild Weather show, an energetic look into how life works on other planets!
A Treat For All Ages in Lakewood
Most of the shows offer a two-for-one special with a half-hour presentation by the staff (many of whom are students at the college) and a half-hour film that dives deeper into the stories of the cosmos and our relationship with them.
On this particular evening, we started with a fairly familiar landscape: the local evening sky. With the push of a button, the day turns to night, and the stars rise effortlessly above us. With another quick click, light pollution blinks out of existence, and we get to see the dusty stripe of the Milky Way. Then, it’s time to explore the constellations. With the help of a simple laser pointer and drawings, we can spot zodiac signs, ancient gods, and any number of patterns creatively arranged in the sky.
Then it was time for the film, “From Dream To Discovery: Inside NASA,” which took us behind the scenes in engineering the satellites and perfectly tuned cameras that bring new discoveries to the forefront every day. We watched hexagons link together to form the camera lens for the James Webb Telescope, then followed the “New Horizons” all the way out to Pluto.
The space has an intimate feel that makes its marvels all the more spectacular; with only 58 seats, every show lets you get front and center. But the screen is still just as much of a marvel as its larger counterparts, offering the chance to see beauty in every direction. No matter your age, the love of learning and wonder are infectious. Take some time to sit and get to know the universe!
Planning Your Interstellar Trip To The Pierce College Science Dome
The Science Dome is located in the Rainier Building on the Pierce College campus, at 9401 Farwest Drive SW, in Lakewood. Public shows take place on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and you can book tickets ahead of time online or in person at the venue. For an updated list of programs, as well as opportunities to book field trips or private events, be sure to check out their website!
