PASCO, Wash. – Columbia Basin College (CBC) is hosting “Celestial Wonders” events at the CCpCo Planetarium, starting Saturday, March 8, 2025
The events will explore the upcoming total lunar eclipse on March 13 at 8:30 p.m., recent auroras over the Tri-Cities, and the anticipated solar maximum next year.
Dr. Elizabeth MacDonald from NASA will discuss auroras and the Aurorasaurus project.
“We are excited to have NASA expert Dr. Elizabeth McDonald here to talk about the science of auroras in a live, immersive presentation,” said Planetarium Director Prisco Blanco. “These events are just the beginning as we look to raise awareness of the STEM opportunities at CBC and get the public involved in community science opportunities in the Tri-cities.”
Blanco will offer photography tips for capturing auroras in eastern Washington. Engineering and science students from CBC and Whitman College will share their experiences from a “Winter Field School” in Alaska.
The March 8 event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. A second event, presented in Spanish, is scheduled for March 15 at 6:30 p.m.
The events are free, but space is limited. Interested individuals should check the CBC Events Calendar for details and registration.
For more information, visit CBC or contact Elizabeth Burtner, AVP for Marketing & Outreach, at eburtner@columbiabasin.edu or 509-975-6882.
