'400 Years of the Telescope' documentary preview at Planetarium April 4

Mueller Planetarium, in partnership with NET Television, will present a preview of the upcoming documentary "400 Years of the Telescope" at noon and 4 p.m. April 4, as part of the 2009 International Year of Astronomy.

This visually stunning film takes viewers on a journey chronicling the history of the telescope from the time of Galileo, its profound impact on the science of astronomy, and how both have shaped the way we view ourselves in the midst of an infinite universe. The 25-minute preview screenings are open to the public. General museum admission will be required. The documentary is slated to air on NET-2 in its entirety beginning April 13 at 7 p.m. Check local listings for other air dates on NET-1 and NET-2 during the month of April.

The International Year of Astronomy celebrates the 400th anniversary of Galileo's use of the telescope to reveal the unseen heavens to humanity. This presentation is offered in conjunction with the 100 Hours of Astronomy cornerstone event April 2-4. Also participating in the "100 Hours" project is Hyde Memorial Observatory. For details, see the Hyde Web site at http://www.hydeobservatory.info/.

"400 Years of the Telescope: A Journey of Science, Technology, and Thought" features panoramic visuals and engaging interviews. The Interstellar Studios production team traveled across five continents to interview leading astrophysicists and cosmologists from the world's renowned universities and observatories, who explain concepts ranging from Galileo's act of revealing the cosmos with a simple telescope, to the latest discoveries in space, including startling new ideas about life on other planets and dark energy -- a mysterious vacuum energy that is accelerating the expansion of the universe.

Mueller Planetarium is located inside the University of Nebraska State Museum (Morrill Hall), south of 14th and Vine streets on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus. The preview screenings are free to the general public, however regular museum admission will apply. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children, and ages 4 and younger are free. Parking is free. For more information about the preview screenings, contact Jack Dunn at (402) 472-2641 or jdunn1@unl.edu. More details also available at www.museum.unl.edu.