“Mystery of the Nile,” “Saturn: Jewel of the Heavens,” “Summer Stargazing,” “Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon” and more featured through Sept. 6, 2010
Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center at the University of Nevada, Reno offers several breathtaking immersive theater experiences in Summer 2010 – including the large-format feature film “Mystery of the Nile” and two full-dome digital shows: the new “Saturn: Jewel of the Heaven,” and “Secret of the Cardboard Rocket,” back by popular demand. In addition to other featured shows, Fleischmann Planetarium will offer weekly showings of the amazing full-dome HD digital rock ‘n’ roll masterpiece, “Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon.”
The Planetarium Exhibit Hall museum contains permanent exhibits including large-scale rotating Earth and Moon globes, a black hole demonstrator and the largest collection of meteorites in the state. The Planetarium is currently hosting an exhibition created by the University’s Department of Psychology exploring visual perception. Most seasonal exhibitions are free.
The Planetarium’s full-dome summer schedule plays through Sept. 6, 2010:
Mystery of the Nile
SkyDome 8/70(tm) large-format feature film by Academy Award-nominated MacGillivray Freeman Films–
Come see Academy Award-nominated “Mystery of the Nile” – the summer’s featured SkyDome 8/70 large-format film – where intrepid explorers become the first to navigate the Blue Nile from its source in Ethiopia to the Mediterranean Sea at Alexandria in Egypt. Their thrilling 3,260-mile journey in 16-foot rafts crashes through some of the most extreme white-water rapids in the world. “Mystery of the Nile” plays Fridays through Tuesdays at 1 and 3 p.m. with additional showings at 5 and 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Free for Planetarium members, or $6 adult/$4 ages 13 and under, 55 and over. Museum admission is free. A discount may be available for the second show in a daily double feature. Call the Fleischmann Planetarium at (775) 784-4812 for details and new Planetarium hours, or visit http://www.planetarium.unr.edu .
Saturn: Jewel of the Heavens, and Summer Stargazing
A full-dome digital star show by Clark Planetarium Productions–
It’s one of the most beautiful and magnificent planets in the solar system. And now, using sophisticated spacecraft, scientists have been able to reach out to this great ringed planet, sailing by trillions of chunks of ice that make up its glorious rings. Thanks to new scientific findings, we can present “Saturn: Jewel of the Heavens” – its moons, rings and exotic secrets – in the latest 3-D technology filling our entire Planetarium dome (no 3-D glasses required)! “Seasonal Stargazing,” a look at what’s up in the sky this summer, accompanies “Saturn: Jewel of the Heavens” and is included in the ticket price. “Saturn” plays Fridays through Tuesdays at noon, 2 and 4 p.m., with an additional showing at 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Free for Planetarium members, or $6 adult/$4 ages 13 and under, 55 and over. Museum admission is free. A discount may be available for the second show in a daily double feature. Call the Fleischmann Planetarium at (775) 784-4812 for details and new Planetarium hours, or visit http://www.planetarium.unr.edu .
Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon
A full-dome music and light show by Starlight Productions–
Pink Floyd’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll masterpiece “Dark Side of the Moon” is recreated in a stunning HD digital interpretation of sight and sound. Audience advisory: Adult subject matter. “Dark Side of the Moon” plays Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Free for Planetarium members, or $6 adult/$4 ages 55 and over. Museum admission is free. A discount may be available for the second show in a daily double feature. Call the Fleischmann Planetarium at (775) 784-4812 for details and new Planetarium hours, or visithttp://www.planetarium.unr.edu .
The Secret of the Cardboard Rocket
A full-dome digital star show by Clark Planetarium Productions with spectacular effects by George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch —
With sound effects created by George Lucas’ Skywalker Sound, “The Secret of the Cardboard Rocket” (recommended for elementary-school children, but fun for all ages), lets audiences “climb aboard” a virtual, magical cardboard rocket with two young adventurers to experience a breathtaking, up-close look at each of our solar system’s planets. Discover the secret to making this seemingly impossible trip to the edges of the universe and back, and gain a new sense of wonder about space along the way. “The Secret of the Cardboard Rocket” plays Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. Free for Planetarium members, or $6 adult/$4 ages 13 and under, 55 and over. Museum admission is free. A discount may be available for the second show in a daily double feature. Call the Fleischmann Planetarium at (775) 784-4812 for details and new Planetarium hours, or visithttp://www.planetarium.unr.edu .
Live SkyTonight Star Talk
What’s happening in the sky tonight? “Live SkyTonight Star Talk” answers that question in an informal and entertaining immersive multimedia presentation aided by state-of-the-art technology, followed by telescope viewing (weather permitting) at the Planetarium’s observatory site in Rancho San Rafael Park, courtesy of the Astronomical Society of Nevada. “Live SkyTonight Star Talk” takes place the first Friday of each month at 6 p.m. at Fleischmann Planetarium. Free for Planetarium members, or $6 adult/$4 ages 13 and under and 55 and over. Museum admission is free. A discount may be available for the second show in a daily double feature. Call the Fleischmann Planetarium at (775) 784-4812 for details and new Planetarium hours, or visit http://www.planetarium.unr.edu .
Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center is open Monday-Tuesday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Planetarium is closed Wednesday and Thursday. Admission is free to most of the Planetarium exhibits and to the Science Store. Special packages are available for school field trips and other groups.
Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center is located north of Lawlor Events Center on Virginia and 16th streets, on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Free parking is available in designated spaces in the West Stadium Parking Complex, level 3, just east of the Planetarium. For membership information visit http://planetarium.unr.edu/Member.html . For more information about show tickets, showtimes and new Planetarium hours, call (775) 784-4811 or visit http://www.planetarium.unr.edu
Built in 1964, the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center on the University of Nevada, Reno campus was the first planetarium in the world to project full-dome movies, and is currently one of the first of a handful of planetariums around the world to utilize the Spitz SciDome digital projector, a high-resolution, state-of-the-art immersive visualization tool. The projector is also adaptable to a number of disciplines and uses, supporting collaborations among the planetarium, other University departments and programs, and community organizations. The planetarium’s uniquely shaped building was designed by famed Reno architect Ray Hellman and is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. Fleischmann Planetarium serves more than 50,000 visitors a year, including hundreds of school field trips that introduce students, K-12, to the wonders of the universe.
