When folks used to say, “Let’s go to Aiken to see the stars,” they may well have been talking about celebrities of the early 20th century who frequented the horsey community near the South Carolina-Georgia state line.

Now, they are talking about real stars that you often cannot see without the aid of a telescope.

The DuPont Planetarium at the University of South Carolina–Aiken offers about a dozen different shows throughout the year, ranging from an explanation of the development of the telescope to a view of weather from outer space and the perspective of a raindrop. It is an excellent spot for cool evening entertainment in the hot summer months.

The planetarium will feature two shows each Saturday in August.
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"Follow the Drinking Gourd" about how slaves used astronomy and encoded messages in their songs to escape to Canada will be shown at 8 p.m. The show follows one family’s journey to freedom. The “drinking gourd” in this case is code for the Big Dipper constellation. Show prices are $4.50 for adults, $3.50 for seniors and $2.50 for students 4-18 years old. Children younger than 4 years old are not permitted in the planetarium.

The second show is at 9 p.m. The "Digistar Virtual Journey" is a laser show projected on the planetarium’s 30-foot dome and includes a roller coaster ride. The laser show is $5.50 for adults, $4.50 for seniors and $3.50 for students.

Reservations are recommended as these popular shows fill up fast. Call (803) 641-3769 during normal business hours or (803) 641-3654 and leave a message.