Irene W. Penington Planetarium | SKY SHOWS
NEW SHOW! Life: A Cosmic Story
November 18, 2011 - May 31, 2012
This beautifully presented story takes you on an immersive, all-digital journey in search of the answer to the tantalizing question, how did life on Earth begin? You will journey through time, witnessing key events since the Big Bang that set the stage for life. The first stars ignite, galaxies coalesce, and entire worlds take shape. In the Milky Way Galaxy you witness the early stages of our solar system before the Earth was formed, 5 billion years ago. Life: A Cosmic Story shows us that despite the unique appearance of all living things, a shared ancestry exists among all known organisms on Earth.
On the early Earth, two scenarios for the dawn of life are presented—one near a turbulent, deep-sea hydrothermal vent and the other in a primordial "hot puddle" on a volcanic island. From these microscopic beginnings, life transformed the entire Earth as it evolved and diversified, filling the atmosphere with oxygen, turning the continents green, and altering global climate patterns. Narrated by two-time Academy Award winner Jodie Foster, this new show features visualizations based on the latest scientific knowledge.
NEW SHOW! One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure
November 18, 2011 - May 27, 2012
When Elmo’s Chinese friend, Hu Hu Zhu, visits Sesame Street and discovers that Elmo can see the same stars that he sees in China, together they learn how to locate the Big Dipper, the North Star, and the moon. The friends travel to the moon with Big Bird and discover that the moon’s environment is uncomfortably different from the earth’s. They use their imaginations to return home to the trees, animals, and games they miss, happy to know they share the same sky. A brief tour of the seasonal night sky is included.
Digital Universe
November 4, 2011 - May 31, 2012
Learn about the night sky as never before in this updated version of Digital Universe. Using the world's most extensive, accurate three-dimensional mapping of the universe, this show brings new astronomical information to life in a graphic visualization much like that of an immersive video game. You will explore the planets of our Solar System, the stars of our Milky Way Galaxy, and much more as you travel out to the edge of the known, observable universe. A tour of the seasonal night sky is included.
NEW SHOW! Led Zeppelin
November 5, 2011 - May 31, 2012
Even after 35 years of laser shows, Led Zeppelin remains one of the most popular music shows ever performed in planetariums, neck and neck with "Pink Floyd." Now see this classic group's music come alive as never before! This show delves further into surrealistic environments than any other visual music show, transporting visitors into dozens of mood provoking settings. The motions are more calculated to heighten the transportive feeling, drawing audiences deeper into the scenes. Get ready to rock out to Led Zeppelin classics such as "Kashmir," "Black Dog," "Over the Hills and Far Away," "Stairway to Heaven," "Rock and Roll," and more.
Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon
November 5, 2011 - May 31, 2012
Back by popular demand! Slip away with Pink Floyd's legendary album Dark Side of the Moon. Experience the music as never before with the planetarium's state-of-the-art 4K digital projection system and 5.1 digital surround audio. From the opening notes of "Speak to Me" to the bombastic ending of "Eclipse", this unforgettable presentation is truly mind-blowing.
