Science with a little cheese: Seasons of Light show

December 10, 2019

By Kelly Contreras | Published by December 10, 2019

The annual Seasons of Light show, open to the students and community, has come to Kean yet again to brighten up the season. Academic lecturer at the School of Environmental and Sustainability Sciences, producer of Seasons of Light, Professor Heyniger likes to refer to it as, “science with a little cheese.”

“The purpose of this event is multi-faceted,” said Heyniger. “it is to initiate this holiday season, to educate the campus that there is a planetarium and we’d like to do shows for a Campus Community and to also educate about the sciences.”

Seasons of Light is a show which touches on the traditions of different cultures and takes its audience on a journey via astronomy.

“Seasons of Light flyer” Photo courtesy of School of Environmental and Sustainability Sciences

The constellations are shown in the planetarium along with some explanations into why seasons occur, what happens to the sun as we go through seasons, roots of tradition, etc.

Many people are not aware that Kean has a planetarium. According to Heyniger, the planetarium was initially built in the 80s to complement the astronomy program.

It was used throughout the 90s for astronomy shows and star programs that would be offered periodically throughout the year. In the early 2000s, the planetarium received an upgrade to a fully digital system.

“We’ve been really able to elevate or astronomy programs. So the planetarium has been around for 25-30 years used in various capacities for the campus community,” said Heyniger.

“A moment from the Seasons of Light show where many stars are visible in the planetarium. “
Photo by Kelly Contreras

Seasons of Light was started by a grant that made it possible to upgrade the system. The planetarium is also used to enhance curriculum and classes with this digitized system.

The School of Environmental and Sustainability Sciences occasionally partners with the Biology Club, and at least every year once with the Kean University Earth Science Club.

“I’m expecting very enthusiastic turn out for the series of shows this upcoming fall,” said Heyniger. “Take a few minutes to show something cool and lighthearted… it’s a nice way to step back to celebrate the season.”