Some of my favorite memories as a child growing up in Flint were times when I was able to attend the Longway Planetarium. So years later, after arriving here, when I had the chance to attend the Grand Rapids Public Museum's Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium (named after the Grand Rapids-born astronaut, Roger Bruce Chaffee, who lost his life in the 1967 Apollo 1 spacecraft fire), I was always a bit disappointed at the lack of a real punch that I recalled from my childhood experience.
That is about to change this weekend, as the public is invited to start re-visiting the planetarium, which re-opens after a $1.2 million renovation that includes upgrades to the planetarium technology as well as all new seating, design and displays inside the space. Even the new class of programming will be brand new shows featuring the use of the very latest Digistar projection technology and immersive surround sound for an unbelievably rich and realistic experience.
Having visited the preview event earlier this week, I can safely recommend that this new upgrade is thrilling to experience with your family or with a friend or two. Try and grab a seat in the back rows of the theatre for the very best views.
Planetarium shows scheduled for the opening include “Dynamic Earth: Exploring Earth’s Climate Engine,” “The Little Star that Could,” and “Violent Universe.”
New programs starting this weekend include:
DYNAMIC EARTH: EXPLORING EARTH’S CLIMATE ENGINE
The award-winning "Dynamic Earth" explores the inner workings of Earth’s great life support system: the global climate. With visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations, this cutting-edge production follows a trail of energy that flows from the sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere. Ride along on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales, and fly into roiling volcanoes. Narrated by Liam Neeson and recommended for ages 5-12th grade.
THE LITTLE STAR THAT COULD
"The Little Star That Could” is a story about Little Star, an average yellow star in search for planets of his own to protect and warm. Along the way, he meets other stars, learns what makes each star special, and discovers that stars combine to form star clusters and galaxies. Eventually, Little Star finds his planets. Our solar system is introduced with basic information about each planet. Ages K -2nd grade recommended.
VIOLENT UNIVERSE
The beauty of a starlit sky conceals the violent forces at work within our universe. From the upheaval of a giant star that explodes to release its material into space, to a future encounter between the Earth and a large asteroid that is too close for comfort, we will witness the forces that hold the universe together and occasionally try to rip it apart. Narrated by Patrick Stewart. Age group: 3-12th grade
Now that the kids are taken care of, I cannot wait until the adult light shows return in the months ahead. Get a membership now; you know you will want one when these acts return.
Admission: Shows $4 each (with paid general admission), free to GRPM members
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