JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The wait is almost over! The Grand Opening Celebration of the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium is set for November 11th through 14th. The opening will begin a new chapter in the Museum of Science & History’s 59-year history of space science programming.
The new Bryan-Gooding Planetarium will offer visitors total-immersion entertainment in a 360-degree theater at super-resolution four times better than the best HDTV! The new full-dome digital system is the latest in planetarium technology and is the only system of its kind in Florida. Expanded programming will take guests into the body of an astronaut to experience a shuttle launch or to the far edges of the universe to explore the mysteries of black holes. The debut schedule rotation, which includes programming suitable for all age groups, includes:
Black Holes: No longer the stuff of science fiction, the discovery of the black hole is a triumph of modern science. Explore the fascinating world of black holes in this program narrated by Academy Award nominated actor Liam Neeson. (Recommended for adults and children in grades 6 or higher.)
Astronaut: The exploration of space is humankind’s greatest endeavor. Go on an incredible voyage to discover what it takes to be an astronaut as you experience a rocket launch from inside the body of “Chad,” our test astronaut. (Recommended for adults and children in grades 4 or higher.)
Sesame Street’s One World, One Sky: Elmo and Big Bird meet a new friend – Hu Hu Zhu – who lives far, far away in China. The friends soon discover that despite the distance, they still see the same stars in the night sky! (Recommended for children in grades Pre-K through K.)
Zula Patrol: Down to Earth: While on a routine fossil hunting expedition, the Zula Patrol discover that someone’s been dumping trash in Earth’s prehistoric past! On their mission to catch the culprit, they learn all about the formation and development of Earth and its inhabitants. (Recommended for children in grades Pre-K through 4.)
In addition to planetarium programs every hour on the hour, extended hours, guest lecturers and rooftop stargazing, highlights of the Opening Celebration include:
Thursday, November 11 – FREE Admission for Active & Retired Military – In observance of Veterans Day, all active and retired military will receive free admission to MOSH. In addition, from November 11 to November 24, veterans will receive $10 off the purchase of a MOSH Membership. Visitors can enjoy exhibits like Prehistoric Predators, which features 16 animatronic dinosaurs, or take in a show in the new state-of-the-art Bryan-Gooding Planetarium. Museum admission is $10 for adults, $8 for children 3-12, and free for children 2 and under and members. Planetarium programs are $5 per person, per show.
Friday, November 12 – Cosmic Concert Preview Party – Experience total-sensory entertainment as laser lights, high-def images and digital sound collide to create a Cosmic Concert! The Cosmic Concert Preview Party is from 8 p.m. to midnight. Cost is $20 for non-members/$15 for members and includes one drink ticket, one cosmic concert, live music by The Druids, rooftop stargazing and access to museum exhibits. Additional drinks are available for purchase. Led Zeppelin will show at 9 p.m. followed by Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon at 10 and Pink Floyd: Best of The Wall at 11. Purchase tickets online at www.themosh.org or call 396.MOSH, ext. 240.
Saturday, November 13 – NASA Guest Speaker – NASA Aerospace Technology Engineer Antonio Pego will present “NASA’s Role in Astronomy” at 2 p.m. in the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium. Pego’s appearance is part of the Grand Opening Celebration of the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium at MOSH taking place November 11 through 14. Tickets to the lecture are free with paid museum admission and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Museum admission is $10 for adults; $8.50 for military; $8 for children 3-12; and free for children 2 and under and members.
Sunday, November 14 – Hubble’s Greatest – The Hubble Space Telescope has unlocked numerous mysteries of the Universe as well as added many new questions. The best – and in some cases – strangest of Hubble discoveries will be examined in “Hubble’s Greatest,” a presentation led by Mike Reynolds, Ph.D., Dean of Liberal Arts, Florida State College of Jacksonville, inside the planetarium at 2 p.m. Tickets to the lecture are free with paid museum admission and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Museum admission is $10 for adults; $8.50 for military; $8 for children 3-12; and free for children 2 and under and members.
* Dr. Reynolds will be available for interviews immediately following the presentation until 4 p.m.
Thursday, November 18 – Music Under the Stars – Learn about the stars that shine over Jacksonville and then enjoy a live musical performance under the stars of the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium. Event is from 6 to 10 p.m.; presentation begins at 7 p.m. Admission, which includes museum access, one drink, music presentation, star show, and rooftop stargazing, is $10. Musicians courtesy of Friday Musicale. Call 396.MOSH (6674), ext. 230 for tickets.
Visitors will be able to purchase tickets, preview program trailers and see a complete schedule of events on the new website www.moshplanetarium launching prior to the November 11 opening.
The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) is located at 1025 Museum Circle near Friendship Fountain Park. MOSH, first chartered in 1941, stimulates the joy of learning for visitors of all ages in science, astronomy and the history of the region. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Museum admission is $10 for adults, $8.50 for military and senior citizens, $8 for children 3-12, and free for children 2 and under and members. There is no admission fee for children 2 and under or Museum members. Admission is $5 on Fridays. Admission to the Bryan Gooding Planetarium is an additional $5 per person for the first show and $1 for each additional show.