Public Shows
Show Descriptions
This show explores the real science behind some of the everyday issues facing interstellar travelers in science fiction. Need to jump 20 parsecs out to the Dagobah System? Wondering whether that wormhole in "Sector ENO" is up and working? Having issues with your plasma ion engine? "Sci-Fi Science" uses the latest findings on space travel to explore these topics and more, as well as the reason it may only be a matter of time until such technologies become science fact instead of science fiction.
"Sci-Fi Science" is the second installment in the AstroQuest trilogy.
Appropriate for all ages.
A Seminole State Planetarium Production, 2010
"Central Florida Nights" is the flagship show of the Seminole State Planetarium, played more times per year than any other production. Offering a guided tour of the current night sky, it is updated every two weeks to match the slow parade of constellations we see as Earth revolves around the sun. During each show, guests will learn how to locate seven or eight constellations. The locations and visibility of the planets, upcoming meteor showers, bright comets and other celestial happenings will also be discussed.
Skies permitting, guests can go outside afterward to identify many of the objects seen during the show. They can also take a look at the night sky through the planetarium's telescopes. Please note that the planetarium will not hold telescope viewings during the months of June, July, and August.
Appropriate for all ages. "Central Florida Nights" is shown the first, third and fifth Friday of each month.
A Seminole State Planetarium Production, 2008
"Cretaceous Countdown" discusses the numerous theories that surround the mysterious extinction of the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period 65 million years ago. Theories include the cosmic impact theory, where a large asteroid or comet hit the Earth; the volcanism theory, where immense volcanic activity in what is now India spiked global temperatures; and several other, lesser-known theories. Showgoers will be presented with all the information they need to form their own opinion about why the dinosaurs went extinct...or if they did at all.
Appropriate for all ages.
A Seminole State Planetarium Production, 2008
The night sky has fascinated mankind since antiquity. Many of our traditions stem from the amazing parade of stars and planets across the sky. With the advent of electricity, however, this once-captivating celestial light show has dimmed. But it is not just the night sky that is affected; it is also the environment that surrounds us. Countless lights illuminate the night sky to a point were the vast majority of stars can no longer be seen. Join us as we investigate the many issues stemming from this silent plague, which affects our health, safety, wallets and skies.
Appropriate for all ages.
A Seminole State Planetarium Production, 2009
Come along for an interactive guided tour of the inhabitants of the solar system, featuring the sun, eight major planets, asteroid belt and dwarf planets (like Pluto), as well as the innumerable objects that orbit around the sun from billions of miles away. Your journey is guaranteed to be the most exhilarating 5-billion-mile trip you'll ever take!
Appropriate for all ages.
A Seminole State Planetarium Production, 2008
"The Fire of Creation" explores the many facets of one of the Western Hemisphere's most misunderstood and intellectually-advanced cultures, the Maya. This presentation emphasizes the importance of astronomy in the everyday lives of the Mayan people, in the realms of religion, agriculture and even war. Offering a general understanding of the creation stories found in the Mayan Popol Vuh as well as a discussion of the many ruins of Mexico and Central America, "The Fire of Creation" allows the true story of the Mayan people to emerge.
Appropriate for ages 9 and up.
A Seminole State Planetarium Production, 2008
Stretching more than 4,200 miles in length, the Nile River has been the single most important contributor to the Egyptian people's existence. Far more advanced in science and engineering than any contemporary civilization, the Egyptians pioneered technology that would have no equal for centuries to come. This presentation explores how the astronomical knowledge of the Egyptians was showcased in their pyramid and architectural designs; how their skywatching skills would help them predict the rise and fall of the Nile's waters; and how the culture viewed the sky as the entrance to the afterlife. From the shores of the great river, the Egyptians truly became "The Gift of the Nile."
Appropriate for ages 9 and up.
A Seminole State Planetarium Production, 2009
Help the Seminole State Planetarium celebrate Valentine's Day by learning some of the many love stories told in the tapestry of the night sky. Discover the Korean myth about the stars Vega and Altair and their separation on either side of the Milky Way river. Experience the romance between Orion the Hunter and Artemis, the goddess of the moon, and discover how this love story tragically ends. Finally, enjoy the classic Native American tale of Algon the Hunter and the lost star maidens of the Pleiades.
Appropriate for ages 9 and up.
A Seminole State Planetarium Production, 2008
"Into the West" conjures up the history of Halloween, from its beginning five millennia ago in what is now Great Britain. The show examines the Britons and the Celts, two groups of ancient people who laid the foundation for the modern-day Halloween celebration. The origins of trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins and ghostly lore are also discussed, all centering around a small, famous cluster of stars in the constellation Taurus, the Pleiades. Join the planetarium, and be swept away on a journey "Into the West."
Appropriate for all ages. This show only plays during the month of October.
A Seminole State Planetarium Production, 2008
"The Kingdoms of the Stars" explores the vast history of astronomy in the East Asian cultures of China and Japan. Each culture viewed the heavens in different ways. From the "middle kingdom" of China, to the Shinto shrines where "torriis" indicated the gateways to the spiritual world, to the magpie bridge that stretched across a celestial chasm far greater than the distances between these cultures, we welcome you to the "Kingdoms of the Stars."
Appropriate for all ages.
A Seminole State Planetarium Production, 2008
Locked in a cosmic ballet with Earth is our nearest celestial neighbor, the moon. A satellite more than a third of the Earth's size, our moon strongly influences life on our planet, from tidal actions of the oceans to the gleaning of crops during harvest time. "Luna" investigates the vast and varied history of our moon, from its origins and early history to the modern-day lunar landings and the scientific discoveries of the 21st century. It also explores the immense impact our moon has had on culture and society.
Appropriate for all ages.
A Seminole State Planetarium Production, 2009
Welcome aboard the USS Star Dancer, flag(space)ship of the Virgo Galactic Interplanetary Cruise Line. Our port of call for this voyage will be none other than the Red Planet, Mars! Join us for surface excursions to Olympus Mons (the largest mountain found in the solar system), Valles Marineris (a canyon ten times larger than the Grand Canyon) and the Cydonia region, home of the "Face on Mars." Get up-to-date information about the solar system's most Earth-like planet with this full-dome digital video presentation.
From all of us aboard the Star Dancer, we wish you a safe and entertaining interplanetary cruise. Bon voyage!
Appropriate for all ages.
A Seminole State Planetarium Production, 2010
The sky is set for Sydney, Australia, which is almost identical in latitude to the Seminole State Planetarium. "Skies Down Under" offers a tour of the Southern Hemisphere skies, giving guests an up-close view of six to eight constellations that can only be seen south of the equator.
Have you seen the skies down under, where the stars glow and the constellations give wonder?
Appropriate for all ages.
A Seminole State Planetarium Production, 2008
Burning steadily for the past 5 billion years, our sun has helped make life on planet Earth possible. The object of intense study and reverence, the sun has continued to influence the lives and beliefs of civilizations throughout history. "Sol," presented in full-dome video, explores our most impressive stellar neighbor, investigating the origins of our star, the powers it holds deep inside its core, the future of the sun, and much more. Have you got "Sol?"
Appropriate for all ages.
A Seminole State Planetarium Production, 2009
"A Star to Steer By" explores the historical development of celestial navigation and its impact on world exploration, from the earliest seafaring Phoenicians to the modern-day weapons and satellites that rely on celestial objects for guidance. The show also provides a basic understanding of the astronomical and mathematical concepts of celestial navigation, explaining the use of both terrestrial- and celestial-based coordinate systems.
Appropriate for all ages.
A Seminole State Planetarium Production, 2008
"Stories of the Night Sky" is a five-episode series of presentations that explore the myths, legends and facts surrounding some of the most famous and important constellations in the sky. Part of the Seminole State Planetarium's cultural astronomy series, "Stories of the Night Sky" uses the current night's sky to identify several constellations. Visitors will learn how to locate and identify each constellation and will hear stories as they were told thousands of years ago.
Episode Guide
- Episode 1: "The Orion Myths," showcasing Orion, Taurus, Canis Major, Canis Minor and Lepus (shown January-March)
- Episode 2: "The Story of the Pole," showcasing Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Bootes and Draco (shown March-May)
- Episode 3: "The Twelve Labors of Hercules," showcasing Hercules, Hyrda, Leo and Cancer (shown May-July)
- Episode 4: "The Summer Triangle," showcasing Aquila, Cygnus and Lyra (shown August-October)
- Episode 5: "The Clash of the Titans," showcasing Andromeda, Cepheus, Cassiopeia, Pegasus, Perseus and Cetus (shown October-December)
Note: Episodes are live presentations. Content may be modified for age appropriateness.
A Seminole State Planetarium Production, 2009-10
In a seemingly limitless universe, only our planet, Terra, is known to harbor life. This full-dome video presentation examines what makes our five 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, a process that continues today. There may be billions of stars, but there is only one "Terra."
Appropriate for ages 5 and up.
A Seminole State Planetarium Production, 2010
"The 13th Sign" examines the claim that astrology, like astronomy, is a science. This show investigates the origins of astronomy and astrology and explores how their divergence during the Dark Ages caused astrology to no longer reflect the real sky. Several topics are covered, including the precession of the equinoxes, the differing lunar cycles and the ecliptic band the sun follows in the sky. The presentation also shows that the Zodiac is not twelve constellations, as commonly thought, but also includes "The 13th Sign."
Appropriate for all ages.
A Seminole State Planetarium Production, 2008
From the first time humans gazed up toward a dark and starry night, the universe has inspired emotions of awe and wonder. Over the past several thousand years, our understanding of the universe may have changed, but our deep fascination with it has not. "The Story of the Universe" explores the history of our understanding, starting with our earliest ancestors and their ideas about the cosmos to the modern-day telescopes and spacecraft that have enhanced our knowledge in unbelievable ways. Incorporating the planetarium's wide spectrum of technology, including our full-dome video system, this remarkable show will take you on the winding path from our tiny, fragile planet to the very edge of the universe as we know it.
Appropriate for ages 5 and up.
A Seminole State Planetarium Production, 2010
Did you know that the study of stellar spectra, determining the luminosity of stars and the modern cataloging of the night sky all originated with female astronomers? Who said astronomy was just for men? "Who's Who?" explores the contributions and discoveries several female astronomers, including Caroline Herschel, Dorrit Hoffleit, Antonia Maury and Henrietta Swan Leavitt.
Appropriate for all ages.
A Seminole State Planetarium Production, 2008
