Star and constellation myths from the Navajo and Lakota traditions will be featured in November during live astronomy shows at Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado at Boulder campus.
"Navajo Skies," presented by CU-Boulder professor of astrophysical and planetary sciences John Stocke, will take place Friday, Nov. 14, and Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m. Lakota storytellers will take part in "Watchers of the Ancient Skies" on Nov. 15 and 16 at 2 p.m.
"Watchers of the Ancient Skies" features Lakota people sharing their traditions of the stars and describing ancient knowledge handed down through many generations. The Nov. 15 and 16 shows will include a Lakota singing and drumming group demonstrating the heartbeat of the earth and the universe.
Tickets for "Watchers of the Ancient Skies" are $25 for adults and $10 for students, and are available through Nov. 6 at the Center for Lifelong Learning, (303) 499-1125 ext. 230. Beginning Nov. 7, tickets will be sold at the planetarium box office.
Stocke's Navajo presentation is based in part on his interviews with two Navajo "Hatalii," or singers - sometimes referred to as medicine men - years ago and includes excerpts from taped conversations with the men. The show delves into the relationship between the Navajo constellation depictions, the creation story and some basic ideals of Navajo life.
Admission for "Navajo Skies" is $5 for adults, $4 for students and $3 for children and seniors. Advanced tickets are now available. The Sommers-Bausch Observatory will be open to the public after the Friday evening show, weather permitting. Admission to the observatory is free.
For more information about Fiske Planetarium and other shows and programs it offers call (303) 492-5001 or visit the Web site at .