Exploring the Universe in Vibrant Detail
On January 14, 2020, the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) unveiled its latest attraction, the fulldome show Worlds Beyond Earth, during a press preview at the renowned Hayden Planetarium. This cutting-edge digital dome showcase is designed to immerse audiences in the wonders of astronomy and planetary science, leveraging an advanced 8K projection system that takes advantage of the planetarium’s newly installed custom laser projectors.
AMNH stands among the world’s top ten most-visited museums, known for its commitment to educational innovation. The Hayden Planetarium, a leader in the field, has a history of upgrading its display technologies, evident from its previous foray into fulldome formats, as discussed in InPark’s landmark piece, “Digital Dome-ocracy.” The new show is scheduled to open to the public on January 21, 2020, offering a captivating experience for viewers of all ages.
During the unveiling, Ellen Futter, the President of AMNH, expressed her excitement about the possibilities offered by the new projection system. “This show is an eye-dazzling manifestation of what is now possible from a technical standpoint,” she remarked, highlighting the significant upgrade that brings unprecedented colors and contrasts to audiences, thanks to the innovative laser projection technology.
At the event, Larry Paul, an executive at Christie, the technology partner responsible for the projection system, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “To work with an industry-leading institution like the Hayden Planetarium has been an honor.” The Christie Eclipse projectors, lauded for their high dynamic range (HDR) capabilities, are pivotal in presenting not only Worlds Beyond Earth but also ongoing astrophysical research in extraordinary detail and color.
As the senior director of electronic media engineering and support at AMNH, Benjy Bernhardt elaborated on the multi-faceted purposes the planetarium serves. The institution provides both a premier attraction for general visitors and a specialized venue for educational programs and scientific research. Bernhardt emphasized the need to re-imagine technical systems to support a creative vision that continuously pushes boundaries for immersive educational experiences.
Bernhardt continued to underscore the importance of collaboration with Christie, confirming the optimism that arose when they first encountered a prototype of the Eclipse HDR projector. The partnership has resulted in a display that not only meets technical challenges but expands the palette available for storytelling in science.
Carter Emmart, the planetarium’s director of astrovisualization and director of Worlds Beyond Earth, highlighted the impressiveness of the new projection system: “It has the punch and color of laser, with true black and high dynamic range, enabling us to visualize these things as though we were really there.” The show aims to take audiences on an emotional and intellectual journey, engaging them in a profound narrative exploring the universe.
Vivian Trakinski, the producer of Worlds Beyond Earth, aims for the show to be an emotional experience that prepares audiences to absorb complex scientific concepts. Emphasizing the use of authentic data, she notes that the images featured in the show originate from real scientific observations, allowing for deeper connections to the material.
Overview of the Show’s Theme and Content
Worlds Beyond Earth is comprised of awe-inspiring visual narratives that explore the dynamic and varied worlds within our solar system. Featuring real scientific data, this production emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique conditions that support life on our planet while showcasing celestial bodies that orbit our Sun.
Narrated by Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o, the show immerses viewers in the captivating journey of space exploration. It highlights the discoveries made by robotic explorers over the last 50 years, presenting evidence of the dynamic nature of neighboring worlds while probing questions about life beyond Earth.
Expect stunning depictions of phenomena such as the volcanic activity on Jupiter’s moon Io and the methane rains on Saturn’s moon Titan, alongside a breathtaking visualization of the evolution of Saturn’s rings and an engaging exploration of our solar neighborhood.
Images featured in the show are crafted from genuine data sources, collected by NASA and other agencies, merging art and science in a way that enhances understanding and appreciation for the vast universe we inhabit.
As part of AMNH’s 150th anniversary celebration, Worlds Beyond Earth signifies a milestone in the museum’s ongoing commitment to science education. Its narrative invites audiences to contemplate their place in the cosmos and fosters a connection to the mysteries of the universe.
Throughout its history, AMNH has played a vital role in public education regarding space science, and this latest endeavor continues that legacy through state-of-the-art technology and a compelling narrative. With the brightest minds in science and art contributing to its creation, Worlds Beyond Earth promises to be a landmark experience for visitors, one that inspires curiosity and wonder.
The ascent of technology in the field of astronomy and science visualization is exemplified by the new projection system at the Hayden Planetarium. As the first museum space show to fully utilize this sophisticated setup, Worlds Beyond Earth showcases the beauty of the cosmos as never before, captivating audiences with its commitment to authenticity and immersive storytelling.
Worlds Beyond Earth was developed by a team comprising scientists, artists, and educational professionals, affirming AMNH’s dedication to delivering impactful educational experiences. It represents a future where science isn’t just observed but felt, inviting us all to look up and wonder what lies beyond our Earth.
This remarkable production is dedicated to the memory of philanthropist Charles Hayden and made possible through the support of the Charles Hayden Foundation, ensuring that the spirit of exploration and education lives on for generations to come.