The new Sac State planetarium has been bringing smiles to the faces of audiences ever since it opened in August. (Sacramento State/Jessica Vernone)

By Cynthia Hubert

Heads up, Hornets.

Tickets for October public shows inside the new Sac State planetarium will be available beginning at noon on Friday.

The planetarium’s seven inaugural shows, on Sept. 20 and 21, sold out shortly after tickets became available.

Ten shows are scheduled for October. All tickets can be reserved through the Hornet Ticket Office online.

The show featured in September, titled “Two Pieces of Glass,” received an overwhelming response and will be presented again this month. The show tells the history and evolution of the telescope, from Galileo in the early 1600s to the Hubble Space Telescope and beyond.

“Stars of the Pharoahs,” to be presented later in October, explores the astronomy of ancient Egyptians. The presentation will share the story behind the placement of the pyramids; and what the Egyptians knew about the North Star, among other insights.

Also in late October, the planetarium will feature “The Wizarding World of What’s in the Sky.” This show focuses on the many connections between constellations and the magical lore behind those objects. Audiences will see sights in the sky that inspired various parts of the Harry Potter universe. Audience members are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Hogwarts character.

The planetarium features a dome 40 feet in diameter that offers a 360-degree viewing experience. Super high-definition virtual tours of the solar system put viewers in the midst of the action, and seem so real that they can spur motion sickness, according to planetarium director Kyle Watters.

Shows are hosted by Sac State astronomy professors, including Watters, and include question-and-answer sessions.