Morehead Planetarium retires "Star of Bethlehem," starts new holiday concert series

After 61 years, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center's holiday show "Star of Bethlehem" has been retired. Instead, the Chapel Hill destination will offer a holiday concert series under the planetarium stars.

Morehead staff tells me that the long-time holiday show was designed to work with the planetarium's old projection system, which was decommissioned in April and removed this summer. The "Star of Bethlehem" examined the astronomical phenomena that might explain the legend of the star that led three wise men to the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem. The show featured perspectives from scholars in art history, religious studies and science.

In its place, Morehead is starting a new holiday tradition. Its Morehead Holiday Stars Concert Series features holiday and seasonal music next month under the "stars" in the planetarium. Performers include a cappella, bluegrass, handbells and jazz groups. Among the performers is one of my local favorites - the Sandbox band for kids and families - which will perform on Dec. 9.

Morehead does have two new fulldome planetarium shows this season. "Solar System Odyssey" opened Nov. 9 and began appearing on Morehead's weekend schedule on Saturday. A second show, "Wildest Weather in the Solar System," should open soon.