Mueller Planetarium sets schedule through Nov. 21

Mueller Planetarium in the University of Nebraska State Museum's Morrill Hall updates its schedule effective Oct. 14, including the addition of two new fulldome shows for children and families.

On Saturdays and Sundays beginning Oct. 17, audiences can explore new worlds with "Extreme Planets" and go on an action adventure in space with "Attack of the Space Pirates."

Beginning Oct. 28, Mueller Planetarium will bring back "Pink Floyd: The Fulldome Experience" Thursdays at 7 p.m. for a limited time as a Halloween tradition.

The schedule for Oct. 14-24 (no shows Mondays):

> "Touching the Universe" -- Thursdays, 7 p.m.

> "Attack of the Space Pirates" -- Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

> "Extreme Planets" -- Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m.

The schedule for Oct. 28-Nov. 21 (no shows Mondays):

> "Pink Floyd: The Fulldome Experience" -- Thursdays, 7 p.m.

> "Attack of the Space Pirates" -- Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

> "Extreme Planets" -- Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m.

Mueller Planetarium and Morrill Hall will be closed Nov. 25 for Thanksgiving. The schedule will be updated again Nov. 27.

"Attack of the Space Pirates" takes visitors on a race through the galaxy in search of hidden treasure of a different kind. But they're not alone! This show will appeal to the whole family, including young teenagers. (35 min.)

Planetarium Coordinator Jack Dunn said this show takes fulldome to a new level.

"This is the planetarium's first show for the dome complete with space battles, alien planets, exploding stars, black holes, evil villains and more," Dunn said.

"Extreme Planets" takes audiences to mysterious new worlds outside our solar system. With the discovery a decade ago of the first planet orbiting another star, as well as the recent headlines about the new Earth-like planet Gliese 581, we now know that planets are not unique to our own Solar System. In fact, these extrasolar planets appear to be quite common. Though it will be years before we have direct images of the surfaces of these worlds, this show gives us an idea of what they might look like -- up close and personal. Audiences will go on an immersive journey to several worlds that may stretch the imagination, but which aren't science fiction anymore. (40 min.)

"Dark Side of the Moon: The Fulldome Experience" is not a laser light show as audiences have seen in the past. It features the next generation of computer-generated graphics. Experience Pink Floyd's popular rock album, "Dark Side of the Moon," in immersive fulldome digital format with both abstract and concrete imagery. This show is not intended for young children because of mature language. (43 min.)

"Touching the Universe" showcases the work of amateur astrophotographers. Audiences will be immersed in huge projections of their images of planets, galaxies and nebulae on the fulldome. (35 min.)

All shows except "Dark Side of the Moon" include an optional viewing of the current night sky, its stars and constellations.

For updates on the planetarium's fulldome schedule, visit www.spacelaser.com.

The University of Nebraska State Museum (Morrill Hall) and Mueller Planetarium are south of 14th and Vine streets on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus. Parking is free. Planetarium tickets include museum admission and can be purchased at the museum's front desk the day of the show. Admission is $8 for adults, $5.50 for children, and $3 for UNL staff, faculty and students with valid NU ID. For more information on planetarium shows, astronomy and space science, visit spacelaser.com. For more information on the museum, visit www.museum.unl.edu.

Writers: Jack Dunn, Dana Ludvik