From Galileo to NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope

June 2013

Historical Astronomy - July/August

From Galileo to NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope

Join us to celebrate the launch of our new planetarium film "Two Small Pieces of Glass" on Wednesday, July 17 at 6.30pm.

This new show will be running every day from the 17th July until the 31st August. Check our website for more details and times.

This film traces the history of the telescope from Galileo’s modifications to a child’s spyglass, to the launch of the NASA’s Hubble Space telescope and the future of astronomy. It explores the wonder and discovery made by astronomers throughout the last 400 years.

Imiloa Astronomy Centre, Buhl Planetarium and Interstellar Studios have partnered on this program. Mirage IIID provides some superb computer graphics and animations and the spectacular soundtrack was recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra. Audiences will be transported to some of the largest observatories in the world, as well as places of historical significance.

As part of our launch Marilyn Head, science writer for The Listener and member of the Royal Astronomical Society, will discuss how our understanding of the universe has shaped civilization throughout the ages.

From the observations of early peoples and the creation of henges, the development of astronomical knowledge in ancient civilisations, Copernicus' revolutionary model of the solar system and the rise of the telescope, we trace the development of astronomy as it emerged as a modern science.

Marilyn is an astronomy educator, writer and enthusiastic stargazer. She holds an MSc (Astronomy) from Swinburne University, Melbourne, co-ordinated Carter Observatory's children's club Galactic Circle for 13 years, and edited the magazine Galaxy Te Korurangi - for kids downunder.

The evening will also include a night sky live presentation.

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