Summer Group Programs
Large-Format Films & Skyshows | Programs | Auditorium Films | Galleries | Online Registration
You may also download a pdf version of the 2010 Summer Group Offerings.
Please note:
- Children must be at least 3 years old to attend programs in the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium.
- We require at least ONE chaperone for every 10 children.
- Minimum number of children for a group is 15.
- Maximum group size for the planetarium is 143.
- Maximum group size for the auditorium is 190.
Large-Format Films and Sky Shows in the
Irene W. Pennington Planetarium
$3.50 per person, allow 1 hour
| Showtimes | Tues. | Wed. | Thurs. | Fri. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m.. | OPEN | OPEN | OPEN | OPEN |
| 10:00 a.m. | SpacePark 360 | SpacePark 360 | SpacePark 360 | SpacePark 360 |
| 11:00 p.m. | Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs | Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs | Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs | Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs |
| 12:00 p.m. | We Are Astronomers (through June 30) / In Search of our Cosmic Origins (begins July 1) | We Are Astronomers (through June 30) / In Search of our Cosmic Origins (begins July 1) | We Are Astronomers (through June 30) / In Search of our Cosmic Origins (begins July 1) | We Are Astronomers (through June 30) / In Search of our Cosmic Origins (begins July 1) |
| 1:00 p.m. | Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure | Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure | Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure | Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure |
| 2:00 p.m. | Ice Worlds | Ice Worlds | Ice Worlds | Ice Worlds |
| 3:00 p.m. | Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs | Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs | Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs | Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs |
| 4:00 p.m. | We Are Astronomers (through June 30) / In Search of our Cosmic Origins (begins July 1) | We Are Astronomers (through June 30) / In Search of our Cosmic Origins (begins July 1) | We Are Astronomers (through June 30) / In Search of our Cosmic Origins (begins July 1) | We Are Astronomers (through June 30) / In Search of our Cosmic Origins (begins July 1) |
SpacePark 360
Visual Music Show
This state-of-the-art fulldome program combines entertainment with an
out-of-this-world immersive experience. Your group will be transported
to surreal vistas such as the cloud tops of Jupiter, the surface of Venus,
and Martian sand dunes while experiencing the most thrilling amusement
park rides the Solar System has to offer.
Recommended ages: 6 and above
Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs
Large-Format Movie
This film follows explorers and scientists as they piece together the
archeological and genetic clues of Egyptian mummies in order to reveal
the fascinating and mysterious world of the pharaohs. The film highlights
one of the greatest finds in modern history: the late 19th century cache
of 40 mummies, including 12 pharaohs, among them the legendary Ramses
the Great. Narrated by Christopher Lee.
Recommended ages: 8 and above
Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure
Large-Format Film
National Geographic’s new giant-screen film Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric
Adventure, brings to life the extraordinary marine reptiles of the dinosaur
age on the planetarium's 60-foot domed screen. From the giraffe-necked
Styxosaurus and the 20-foot “bulldog” fish Xiphactinus to the T-Rex of
the ocean—the 40-foot superpredator Tylosaurus—these wondrous beasts defy
imagination. The film takes audiences on a remarkable journey into the
relatively unexplored world of the “other dinosaurs,” those reptiles that
lived beneath the water. Funded in part through a grant from the National
Science Foundation, the film delivers the fascinating science behind what
we know, and a vision of history’s grandest ocean creatures.
Recommended ages: 6 and above
We Are Astronomers (available through June 30)
Sky Show
Today’s astronomer is not the lone observer of past centuries. We are
Astronomers is a beautifully animated show that reveals the global collaboration,
technology, and dedication required to unravel the mysteries of the universe.
Youngsters will take a million-mile trip into space and be home in time
for dinner. Narrated by David Tennant, of Doctor Who and Harry Potter
and the Goblet of Fire. Also included is a tour of the seasonal night
sky with identification of constellations and visible planets.
Recommended ages: 8 and above.
In Search of our Cosmic Origins (available starting July 1)
Sky Show
One of the featured actors in this informative film is ALMA, the Atacama
Large Millimeter/ Submillimeter Array. It is the leading telescope for
observing the cool universe— the relic radiation of the Big Bang and the
molecular gas and dust that constitute the building blocks of stars, planetary
systems, galaxies, and life itself. The young astronomer Ariane leads
a journey from ALMA’s unique site high in Chile’s arid Atacama region,
to the Milky Way and onward to some of the most distant galaxies, seen
as they were in the early stages of the universe. Kids will learn about
the formation of stars and planets, and how ALMA will help scientists
answer questions about our origins.
Recommended ages: 8 and above.
Ice Worlds
Sky Show
The delicate relationship between ice, water, and the existence of life
has been studied by generations of scientists. Ice Worlds tours the icy
landscapes of our solar system, especially those of Earth, where you will
see how the survival of Arctic and Antarctic ecosystems relates to our
survival. You will also see how ice shapes the landscape and the natural
systems of other planets and moons. Narrated by Emily Watson, star of
The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep. Included is a tour of the seasonal
night sky identifying constellations and visible planets.
Recommended ages: 8 and above
Auditorium Odyssey
$3.50 per person, allow 45 minutes.
These programs are interactive, instructor-led, multimedia presentations on a topic that blends science, technology, and art.
Colors of the Rainbow
Available Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, & 11:00 AM
This magical adventure integrates the art and the science of color.
Kids learn about the color wheel, color mixing, and the visible light
spectrum and color wavelengths.
Recommended ages: 4–8
Shake, Rattle, and Roll
Available Wednesday and Friday, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, & 11:00 AM
Dr. Decibel, LASM’s wacky professor, leads visitors in an interactive
exploration of the world of sound. Junior scientists will learn about
the anatomy of the ear, experiment with unique musical instruments, and
become familiar with key vocabulary terms relating to sound.
Recommended ages: 4–6
Auditorium Films
$3.50 per person, allow 1 hour
Films are suitable for all ages.
Forces of Nature
National Geographic and Graphic Films deliver a project 10 years in the making—the awesome spectacle of earthquakes, volcanoes, and tornadoes brought to the giant screen. Peering over the brink of erupting volcanoes or barreling toward angry funnel clouds, your group will be amazed by the colossal powers that shape our world.
To Be An Astronaut
Starring the men and women of NASA, this movie presents the exciting story of astronaut training, including the precise, intense drama of preparing for in-flight situations and the personal reflections of members of the astronaut corps.
Whales
This stunningly beautiful film plunges audiences to the ocean depths and takes them to some of the wildest locations on earth to witness the sights, sounds, and survival of the world's largest mammal.
Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West
Relive an amazing tale of discovery and exploration as National Geographic brings to life the first crossing of what would become the United States.
LASM Gallery Add-ons
$.50 per person, allow 30 minutes
Galleries must be booked in addition to: Large-Format Film, Sky Shows, Auditorium Odyssey, or Auditorium Shows.
Art Gallery
Gallery guides help youngsters better understand artworks by encouraging them to look at and discuss the works in the current exhibition and by teaching pertinent historical facts and how the artwork was made. The exhibition that campers will see this summer is:
Almost Alice: New Images of Wonderland by Maggie Taylor
Scenes and characters from Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice’s Adventure
in Wonderland take on a surreal quality at the hand of artist Maggie Taylor,
a master of digital imaging processes. Her manipulations of snapshots
and 19th century daguerreotypes and tintypes engage all ages.
Recommended ages: 6 and above
Ancient Egypt Gallery
LASM houses one of the few Egyptian tomb exhibits in the southern United
States. Visitors tour a re-creation of a Ptolemaic-era tomb, circa 300
BC, modeled on tombs cut into the cliffs at Thebes and housing a 2,300-year-old
mummy. On view in the outer gallery is a collection of ancient artifacts,
together with maps, interpretive materials related to ancient burial customs,
and recent information about the LASM mummy.
Recommended ages: 7 and above
Discovery Depot
This well-equipped educational play space for young visitors features
toys and activities that focus on art and encourage creative play.
Recommended ages: 7 and under
Science Station
This interactive gallery features hands-on exhibits in physical science,
life science, earth science, and mathematics. Visitors explore the worlds
of motion, sound, logic, light, and color with activities that engage
them in the process of learning and discovery.
Recommended ages: 7 and above
Solar System
In the Solar System Gallery on the first floor of the planetarium, visitors
weigh themselves on the moon and planets, view images from the sun, meet
four early astronomers, and marvel at the 40-foot orrery, among other
education-packed exhibits. Along the back wall of the Solar System Gallery
is a 28-foot-long, 4-foot-high photographic image of the Milky Way. The
image contains over four million stars, nebulae, and star clusters. Using
the interactive kiosk, kids will learn about and locate 12 different objects
within the Milky Way. Adjacent to the gallery is the two-story Planet
Tower, where they can compare sizes of the planets.
Recommended ages: 6 and above