The Sharpe Planetarium in Memphis
If you're visiting Memphis and you're looking for something a little off the beaten tourist path, take a stop by the Sharpe Planetarium. It is located in the historic Pink Palace Museum at 3050 Central Avenue.
They have three regular features that you can take in, depending on what your preferences are. Under the African Skies is a trip through the varied cultures of the African Continent and learn the folk tales they tell about the night sky and the stars. Legends from the major tribes such as Zulu, Masai, and Ashanti are told to show that much like Native American cultures, African cultures developed rich tales around the creation and purpose of the night sky.
There is a seasonal presentation, depending on whether it is Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer,you can see how the night sky looks over the Northern Hemisphere. You can see how ancient people saw the changing of the seasons in the night skies.
Another fun presentation at the Sharpe Planetarium is the Cowboy Astronomer. This is done by telling tales told by cowboys as well as Native Americans about the starry skies above. Among the stories that you will hear will be the Fisher story of the cruel chieftain holding the birds of summer captive, the story of the great bear that breathed life into all the stars and the Devil's Tower tale of the Seven Indian Maidens and the Bear - imprinted for all time in the stars above.
Be sure to pencil in a visit to the Sharpe Planetarium on your next visit to Memphis and you'll never see the stars and planets the same way again!
They have three regular features that you can take in, depending on what your preferences are. Under the African Skies is a trip through the varied cultures of the African Continent and learn the folk tales they tell about the night sky and the stars. Legends from the major tribes such as Zulu, Masai, and Ashanti are told to show that much like Native American cultures, African cultures developed rich tales around the creation and purpose of the night sky.
There is a seasonal presentation, depending on whether it is Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer,you can see how the night sky looks over the Northern Hemisphere. You can see how ancient people saw the changing of the seasons in the night skies.
Another fun presentation at the Sharpe Planetarium is the Cowboy Astronomer. This is done by telling tales told by cowboys as well as Native Americans about the starry skies above. Among the stories that you will hear will be the Fisher story of the cruel chieftain holding the birds of summer captive, the story of the great bear that breathed life into all the stars and the Devil's Tower tale of the Seven Indian Maidens and the Bear - imprinted for all time in the stars above.
Be sure to pencil in a visit to the Sharpe Planetarium on your next visit to Memphis and you'll never see the stars and planets the same way again!
