Mueller Planetarium debuts 'Natural Selection' in U.S.

Released on 06/28/2010, at 2:00 AM
Office of University Communications
University of Nebraska–Lincoln

WHERE: Mueller Planetarium, Morrill Hall, south of 14th and Vine Streets [map]

Lincoln, Neb., June 28th, 2010 —
Jellyfish (photo courtesy Mirage 3D)
Jellyfish (photo courtesy Mirage 3D)
Dinosaurs (photo courtesy Mirage 3D)
Dinosaurs (photo courtesy Mirage 3D)
H.M.S. Beagle and the Milky Way (photo courtesy Mirage 3D)
H.M.S. Beagle and the Milky Way (photo courtesy Mirage 3D)
"Natural Selection" publicity poster (photo courtesy Mirage 3D)

Mueller Planetarium at the University of Nebraska State Museum was the site of a U.S. premier June 1 when it was the first planetarium in the United States to present the new fulldome show, "Natural Selection."

Presented in immersive fulldome format, "Natural Selection," continuing Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays through Aug. 29, introduces family audiences to the ideas of English naturalist Charles Darwin. Audiences experience the thrill of scientific discovery with Darwin as they go on an adventurous voyage aboard the H.M.S. Beagle and explore the beauty of nature on the Galapagos Islands. The show features striking imagery of natural scenery and creatures from the ocean to the land. The running time is 41 minutes.

Mueller Planetarium is in Morrill Hall south of 14th and Vine streets on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus. "Natural Selection" is presented Wednesdays and Sundays at 3 p.m., and Thursdays at 7 p.m. It will continue to be shown through Aug. 29. See the complete fulldome schedule for July below.

The show, produced by Mirage 3D of the Netherlands, is made possible by a gift of the Friends of the University of Nebraska State Museum.

Following the U.S. debut of "Natural Selection" in Lincoln, nine other planetariums nationwide and in Europe began featuring it to audiences publicly.

Jack Dunn, planetarium coordinator, said he is proud to present a show that expands the scope of programming of what planetariums typically offer.

"Natural Selection has helped support our role in the museum by showing science as beautiful and exciting. Showing something like this doesn't mean we will ever go completely away from astronomy -- the roots of the theater -- but I'm happy to be able to present a program that uses immersive fulldome technology at is best to showcase diversity in nature."

Mueller Planetarium's fulldome schedule effective July 1-Aug. 1 (no shows Mondays):

* "Earth Moon and Sun" -- Tuesday through Sunday at 2 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 3 p.m.

* "Natural Selection" -- Wednesday and Sunday at 3 p.m.; Thursdays at 7 p.m.

* "Secret of the Cardboard Rocket" -- Thursdays at 6 p.m.

"Earth, Moon and Sun" explores lunar phases, eclipses, and other puzzles in space. Young children and their families will enjoy this fun and fast-paced show featuring a witty coyote. (26 min.)

"Secret of the Cardboard Rocket" is a 3-D animated show about a magical cardboard rocket that leads two children on a journey through the solar system. This show is great for young children and their families. (35 min.)

Planetarium show times and schedules are subject to change. Visit www.spacelaser.com for the latest information about the planetarium and www.museum.unl.edu for information about the museum. Tickets to planetarium shows include admission to the museum. Prices are $8 for adults, $5.50 for children age 5-18, and $2.50 for children 4 and younger. 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 and immediate family are $3 (with valid UNL ID). Parking is free. Tickets are sold at the museum front desk the day of the show.

WRITER: Dana Ludvik, Public Relations Coordinator, NU State Museum, (402) 472-3779