The Stars Come Out For West Islip's Community Planetarium Show

The West Islip High School Science Department hosted a Community Planetarium Show on Oct. 26, giving the approximately 60 children and adults in attendance a chance to learn more about night sky via a presentation by earth science and astronomy teacher Thomas Vitti.

The event was held in the high school's planetarium, which has been in operation since the 1960s. Vitti began the evening with a video that gave the audience an insight into our place in the universe. He then used the Starball projector to take everyone on a tour of West Islip’s night sky. A fan of “Clash of the Titans,” Vitti showed how the zodiac constellations relate to the story of Perseus, while pointing out various important stars, galaxies and nebulae that were also visible.

“Tom’s planning and preparation was the reason for the night’s success,” said Brian Taylor, the district’s director of science and engineering technology. “His star show showcased his passion and personality.”

Luckily, the weather cooperated and Vitti and his audience concluded the night in the parking lot as he identified some of the objects in the night sky that were shown in the planetarium.

Community Planetarium Show: The West Islip High School Science Department hosted a Community Planetarium Show, concluding in the parking lot with identification of celestial objects in the night sky.

Photo courtesy of the West Islip School District