‘Unaccountable Freak’

Published 12:00 am Friday, April 23, 2010

Valdosta State University Planetarium presents “In 1910: An Unaccountable Freak,” the final public planetarium show of its 2009-2010 season, 7:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. today.

Comet Halley, the most famous of all comets, orbits the sun within a period of 75 years. For most people viewing Halley’s Comet, it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event.

But some are lucky enough to see it twice, and aside from Halley himself no individual is more closely associated with this celestial visitor than the American author Mark Twain.

He was born Samuel Clemens on November 30, 1835; Comet Halley had just rounded the sun and was lighting the night sky over Missouri.

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As he approached his 75th birthday Mark Twain wrote in his autobiography: “I came in with Halley’s Comet in 1835. It is coming again next year, and I expect to go out with it. It will be the greatest disappointment of my life if I don’t go out with Halley’s Comet. The Almighty has said, no doubt: ‘Now here are these two unaccountable freaks; they came in together, they must go out together.’”

The comet returned in April 1910, and his premonition proved correct.  Planetarium shows are suitable for ages 5 and up, and, if weather permits, the observatory atop Nevins Hall will be open to allow guests an opportunity to view the wonders of the heavens.

Seating is limited to 47 visitors per show, and admission is on a “first come, first served” basis.

The planetarium is located in NH3004 on the third floor of Nevins Hall; please enter at the southeast tower and take the stairs or elevator to the third floor. Limited public parking is available in front of Nevins Hall.

More information: Contact the Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Geosciences, (229) 333-5752.