A new planetarium program commemorating the old spirit of St. Patrick’s Day

PORTLAND — While the upper world convulses with the tumult of St. Patrick’s Day revelers, the Southworth Planetarium at the University of Southern Maine will commemorate the holiday with a more elegiac and celestial observance: an event that blends the ancient Irish elements of stones, stories and stars. This event will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 16.

This program represents an amalgam of stone circles; celestial mythology; and Irish legends. Our stone circle scholar, Lawrence Price, will guide you through some of Ireland’s most exquisitely beautiful and storied stone circles such as Lough Crew, the witch’s hill, and the Hill of Tara, which has witnessed the coronations of 142 ancient Irish kings. Also, the colossal Newgrange, designed to capture the solstice sunrise and, astonishingly, the moon cycles.

Experience Cheung’s tales from Eire: an ancient world pervaded by sorcery and mysticism; sages and songs from an island of story tellers.

The star projector then turns westward admiring the old Irish constellations: Laoch Caithete Saighead, the “Hero of the thrown arrows,” or the river goddess Boann. The program concludes under the heavens to admire the sky of the ancients.

The planetarium is in the science building on the university campus. Admission by donation; suggested donation $5-$7. Call 207-780-4249 or email [email protected] to reserve your space or for more information.