The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey?
What does it take to become an astronaut?
"Astronaut," the latest immersive planetarium show to be created by the National Space Center, takes you from Earth into space... and beyond.
Experience a rocket launch from inside the body of an astronaut. Explore the amazing worlds of inner and outer space, from floating around the International Space Station to maneuvering through microscopic regions of the human body. Discover the perils that lurk in space as we subject 'Chad', our test astronaut, to everything space has to throw at him.
Total Running Time (approx): 25:00 minutes
Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity
Currently in distribution to more than 50 fulldome theaters worldwide, narrated by Academy-Award nominated actor Liam Neeson, Black Holes: the Other Side of Infinity brings the current science of black holes to the dome screen. Supported by grants from NASA's high-energy GLAST telescope project and the National Science Foundation, this cutting-edge production features high-resolution visualizations of cosmic phenomena, working with data generated by computer simulations.
Audiences will be dazzled with striking, immersive animations of the formation of the early universe, star birth and death, the collision of giant galaxies and a simulated flight to a supermassive black hole lurking at the center of our own Milky Way Galaxy.
Total Running Time (approx): 24 minutes
The Little Star that Could
“The Little Star That Could,” is the story of an average yellow star in search for planets of its own to protect and warm. Along the way, our little star meets other stars, learns what makes each star special and discovers how stars combine to form star clusters and galaxies. Eventually, the Little Star finds its planets. Each planet is introduced with basic information about our solar system. This fun show helps us all to feel special, just like this average little star.
Stars: Powerhouses of the Universe
Every star has a story. Some are as old as time, faint and almost forgotten. Others burn bright and end their lives in powerful explosions. New stars are created every day, born of vast clouds of gas and dust. Through every phase of their existence, stars release the energy that powers the universe. Journey to the furthest reaches of our galaxy and experience both the awesome beauty and destructive power of STARS.
Suitable for audiences of all ages, this dramatic program features the voice talent of Mark Hamill of "Star Wars" fame.
Total Running Time (approx): 26 minutes
Nanocam
Explore biodiversity at the microscopic level as you join Hugo and Marcos, two students who stumble into a fantastic journey of discovery using an online simulator while they try to finish their assignment before heading out to the big game.
Legends of the Night Sky: Perseus & Andromeda/Paradigm Shifts
Legends of the Night Sky is a light-hearted and imaginative look at the myths and stories associated with the Constellations. It is designed as a four part series, each part being one story for a season of the year. The shows are designed to be 15 to 18 minutes of full dome fun and at the same time teach kids and adults the Greek stories about the stars. Each of the stories is narrated by two wonderful characters, Aesop the owl and Socrates the mouse. They provide the night time "classroom" atmosphere with comedy and wit.
Perseus And Andromeda: Based on constellations viewed in fall sky, Perseus and Andromeda is a story filled with humorous and exciting characters including Pegasus, the winged horse; Cetus, the sea monster; Perseus, the mighty warrior; and the fearsome monster Medusa. This entertaining tale is designed to engage young students and stimulate their interest in learning about the night sky.
Orion: A fun look at the myths surrounding one of the night sky's most famous constellations. Zeus, Poseidon, Apollo, Artemis, Scorpius, and other characters of the Orion story are brought to life in full-color laser light. A must see for all ages! This animated presentation is followed by a live tour of the night sky that will help you find Orion and his companions.
Paradigm Shifts: This show was originally designed by AVI to show off the potential of the Omniscan Laser Projection System that we feature in our theater. We now use the presentation to display the way our universe has been viewed over the ages, represented in laser light. From the ancient beliefs of an earth-centered celestial system, to black holes and the edges of the known universe, this gem of a show is packed with information. It is a short presentation, lasting only 6 minutes, but can be combined with one of our other educational or entertainment laser shows upon request.
Total Running Time (approx): 18:00 minutes
Natural Selection
Join the young Charles Darwin on an adventurous voyage of exploration circumnavigating the World with the HMS Beagle. Witness the thrill of scientific discovery by seeing the World through Darwin's eyes, make observations of the most beautiful natural scenery and let the pieces of the scientific puzzle slowly but surely fall into place.