Published: Sept. 14, 1999

Editors: Photos are available through Geoff Skelton, (303) 492-5002.

Fasten your belts and get ready for takeoff. Anyone whoÂ’s never been to Mars, Venus, Neptune or Pluto better take note: the ship is leaving from the Fiske Planetarium in Boulder, Sept. 25 at 2 p.m.

Captain Ann Dromeda and her crew plan to explore the nine planets of the solar system, as well as the stars and constellations that decorate the night sky.

The planetariumÂ’s new show, "Kids in Space! Exploring the Solar System," is geared toward children age 6 to 10 and debuts Saturday, Sept. 25, at 2 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for children and senior citizens.

"As always, we have the splendor of the night sky in the planetarium, day or night, rain or shine," said Geoff Skelton, the planetariumÂ’s program director. "And for the video-game jaded youngsters we have some dazzling video sequences showing our "space ship," the Encounter, as it zips and zags along taking us through the solar system."

The planetarium also has some new visualizations for the show that you wonÂ’t find anywhere else, according to Skelton.

"We are showing some immersive visuals, which are both scientifically realistic and more engaging than ever before," he said.

Kids will find out how much they weigh — on the moon. They will also discover what asteroids, comets and the rings of Saturn are made of, while learning other facts about the solar system they live in.

"In addition to learning about the solar system, we sneak in some fun stuff too," Skelton said. "There is plenty of opportunity for the audience to react and really enjoy whatÂ’s going on. ItÂ’s surprising what the brain will soak up when people are involved."

For more information about the Fiske Planetarium and other shows and programs offered to the public and educators, call (303) 492-5002.