The first show begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be an examination of the stars and constellations that fill the night sky in autumn. The second show, scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. each Friday, will be followed by a telescope viewing of the night sky, weather permitting.

The second show offerings are:

• Nov. 4 -- “What Makes Planets Habitable?” Planetary scientist David Stevenson of Caltech will discuss the commonalities of planets--the presence of liquid water and energy sources--and what else is needed to make them habitable.
• Nov. 11 -- “The Search for Life in the Universe,” in which recorded narrator Leonard Nimoy poses the question, "Are we alone in the universe?" The show explores attempts by humans to establish contact with extraterrestrial civilizations.
• Nov. 18 -- “Special Relativity for Non-Scientists” is an illustrated, non-technical presentation by Jet Propulsion Laboratory astronomer Skip Newhall of the basic principles of Albert Einstein's theory of relativity, including the famous equation E=mc². The presentationis a contribution by CSUN's Department of Physics and Astronomy to the World Year of Physics 2005 celebration.

Student admission for the planetarium shows is $3 for one show and $5 for both. General admission is $5 for one show and $8 for both. Tickets are available at the University Student Union box office Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by calling the box office at (818) 677-2488.