“Fire of Creation: The Maya” explores the many facets of the Maya, one of the Western Hemisphere’s most misunderstood and intellectually advanced cultures. This presentation emphasizes the importance of astronomy in the everyday lives of the Mayan people, in the realms of religion, agriculture and war. From the creation stories found in the Mayan Popol Vuh to the ruins in Mexico and Central America, the true story of the Mayan people emerges from “The Fire of Creation.”
“Fire of Creation: The Maya” will be presented from 8:30-9:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9 and Sept. 23.
“Central Florida Nights”: The planetarium’s flagship show, “Central Florida Nights,” is a guided, interactive tour of the current night sky. The show is updated every two weeks to match the slow parade of constellations as the Earth revolves around the Sun. In each show, visitors learn the skills to locate seven or eight constellations. Visitors also will be able to identify and locate the visible planets, upcoming meteor showers, new comets, and other unexpected celestial events. A telescope viewing of the night's best celestial objects occurs after the show, weather permitting.
“Central Florida Nights” will be presented from 8:30-9:30 p.m. on Sept. 16 and Sept. 30.
“Terra”: In a seemingly limitless universe, only our planet, Terra, is known to harbor life. This full-dome video presentation examines what makes our 5 billion-year-old “third rock from the Sun” so special. “Terra” takes visitors back to the very beginnings of the Earth, the massive impact that astronomers believed formed our moon and caused the separation of the first oceans from the continents. Visitors discover how the unique characteristics of Earth have made life on this planet possible, and how the planet has evolved and changed.
“Terra” will be presented from 8:30-9:30 p.m. on Sept. 10, Sept. 17 and Sept. 24.
Live public shows are presented at the planetarium every Friday and Saturday beginning at 8:30 p.m. There are no reservations.