The planetarium offers two shows every Friday night to give the public an opportunity to view different aspects of the evening skies. The first show, each Friday in December from 6 to 7 p.m., is an examination of the night sky during autumn.

The second presentations, each beginning at 7 p.m., are as follows:

• Dec. 3 and 10 -- "Search for the Christmas Star" takes a look at historical evidence that suggests the identity of the star followed by the Magi, or Wise Men, at the time of the birth of Christ. The presentation will be given by John Mosley of the Griffith Observatory Planetarium.

• Dec. 17 -- "The Search for Life in the Universe" -- in which narrator Leonard Nimoy poses the question "Are we alone in the universe?"--explores attempts by humans to establish contact with extraterrestrial civilizations.

There are no shows Dec. 24 and Dec. 31.

Student admission for planetarium shows is $3 for one show and $5 for both shows. General admission is $5 for one show and $8 for both shows.

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.