Mueller Planetarium celebrates 40th anniversary of Apollo 11 moon landing

Forty years ago, Apollo 11 took flight to the moon. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin Jr. became the first humans to set foot on the celestial body -- marking a great achievement in space exploration and a defining moment in U.S. history.

In honor of the Apollo moon landing's 40th anniversary, Mueller Planetarium at the University of Nebraska State Museum will present the award-winning fulldome planetarium show, "Dawn of the Space Age" at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through Aug. 15. On July 20, the anniversary of humans first touching the moon's surface, the planetarium will feature a special 2 p.m. showing of "Dawn," followed by a live discussion of the moon landings.

"Dawn of the Space Age" traces the history of space exploration, starting with the launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, through the Gemini, Apollo, and Shuttle Space Station missions and ending with Mars exploration. People of all ages will be captivated as this animated film transports them into the cosmos, allowing them to relive -- or witness for the first time -- these incredible feats in space history. Running time is 32 minutes. Admission is charged to all planetarium shows.

Planetarium supervisor Jack Dunn, who attended the launch of Apollo 14, said he hopes the public will use this chance to remember the achievements of Apollo and the national enthusiasm for space exploration -- and pass this on to young people.

Mueller Planetarium is in Morrill Hall, just south of 14th and Vine streets on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus. Tickets to planetarium shows include admission to the museum. Prices are $8 for adults, $5.50 for children 5-18, and $2.50 for children 4 and under. For members of the Friends of NU State Museum with membership cards, tickets are $2.50 for adults and $2 for children. Tickets for UNL faculty, staff and students are $3 (with valid UNL ID). Tickets are sold at the museum front desk the day of the show. For more information on planetarium shows, astronomy and space science, visit www.spacelaser.com. For more information on the museum, visit www.museum.unl.edu.