“Appalachian Skies” will take visitors on a majestic tour of the current evening sky using the spectacular Zeiss optical star projector instrument. Its fiber-optic generated star field is stunning and a pleasure to see. This live presentation is enhanced with additional content from our VELVET LED projectors for a wonderful, immersive experience. You don’t want to miss it!
Due to the live nature of the program, and the natural progression of the changing night sky throughout the seasons, each presentation will be unique! Learn what fascinating mythological constellations, from Ancient Greece and other cultures, will be easily visible. Marvel at their lore. Find out what planets are easily seen as well. Visitors will take this knowledge home and be able to locate these celestial sights for themselves.
Show length ~ 35 min.

Synopsis: A magical peach! An imprisoned boy! Insect friends! An incredible journey! This amazing adventure of James Henry Trotter will fulfill the fantasy of anyone who has ever dreamed of escape. Roald Dahl’s story comes hilariously to life in this delightful dramatization that reveals the wickedness of some, the goodness of others, and the indecision encountered by many when they are faced with crises. You will see James (as he cleverly gets the Peach out of danger), the wise Old-Green-Grasshopper and the pessimistic Earthworm. You will also see James’ mean Aunt Spiker and cruel Aunt Sponge come to a suitably sticky end. The action is tied together by the Narrator, a storyteller, motivator, emcee and audience friend. Take advantage of the quick costuming, simple props and basic scenery to provide your cast and audience with an exciting, peachy adventure!
Ticket prices are as follows:
General Admission – $15
Students, Seniors (55+), Children (7+), Military – $12
Children Under 7 – Free

This special program is the first of a two-part series that includes short stories representing the perspective of different cultures or indigenous societies from around the globe. Each story features exceptional, unique art. In “To Seek Far,” we present “Thunderbird” and “Jai Singh’s Dream,” two stories highlighting the theme of developing tools—to seek far.
THUNDERBIRD
The sky is a powerful tool for measuring time, and for the Diné, or Navajo people, the Thunderbird transcends space and time, revealing the passage of seasons and connecting earth and sky.
JAI SINGH’S DREAM
Amid the political chaos of 18th-century India, a great ruler brought the order of the skies down to earth. His giant instruments allowed for precise measurements of stars, planets and the passage of time—and his observatories still stand today!
There’s more! True to Bays Mountain fashion, we’ll expand upon these two short stories using our theater’s unique projectors. We’ll connect the feather of the Thunderbird story to how we see the night sky and explore other ancient observatories around the world. Come explore how we all interpret the night sky at Bays Mountain Planetarium!
Show length ~35 min