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.
ends