PLAN ETAR IAN Journal of the International Planetarium Society Vol. 30, No.2, June 2001
Articles 4 The Great Copernican Cliche ...... Dennis Danielson 11 Chabot Planetarium: Learning from Experience ... Richard Smith
Features 16 Reviews ...... April S. Whitt 20 Mobile News Network ...... Susan Button 24 What's New ...... Jim Manning 28 Forum: Script Writing ...... Steve Tidey 33 International News ...... Lars Broman 37 President's Message ...... Martin Ratcliffe 40 Jane's Corner ...... Jane Hastings North America Welcomes a Brilliant NelN Character in Star ShOlNs: Zeiss Fiber Optics
With the dawn of the new millenni improve the quality of Star Shows for um, visitors of the new planetariums in audiences of the Universarium. They are Oakland, CA and New York City will also offered with the Starmaster, the experience brilliant stars produced by medium planetarium. the Carl Zeiss Universarium fiber optics Quality at the highest level which systems, Invented by Carl Zeiss, the stars you can afford. appear in their natural tiny size, but We will be happy to inform you shine with extraordinary brilliance. about how Carl Zeiss can make sure thaI Come and see this absolute pinnacle you will experience a new experience of projections of stars. Fiber optic systems Star Shows. by Carl Zeiss are not only offered to
Seeing Is Believing! Carl Zeiss Planetarium Division In the U.S.& Canada D - 07740 lena cOlltact Pearl Reilly: INS TFlLJf'v'1ENT Telephone: + 49-3641 -64 24 06 1-800-726-8805 Fax: + 49-3641-64 30 23 Fax: 1-504-764-7665 E-mail: planetarium @zeiss.de E·mail: [email protected] Interne!: http://www.zeiss.delplanetariums The Planetarian (ISN 0090-3213) is published quarterly by the International Planetarium Society. ©2001. International Planetarium Society, Inc., all rights reserved. Opinions expressed e by authors are personal opinions and are not necessarily the opinions of the International Plan etarium Society, its officers, or agents. Acceptance of advertisements, announcements, or other Vol. 30, No.2 material does not imply endorsement by the International Planetarium Society. its officers or agents. The Editor welcomes items for consideration for publication. Please consult "Guidelines June 2001 for Contributors" at http://www.GriffithObs.org/IPSGuidelines.html (or request a copy by mail). The Editor reserves the right to edit any manuscript to suit this publication's needs.
Executive AJlUUllI.'IU'JI. John Mosley IN E F E R E Griffith Observatory 2800 E. Observatory Road Adler Planetarium ...... Los Angeles, California 90027 USA (1) 323-664-1181 daytime phone Audio Visual Imagineering ...... (1) 323-663-4323 fax Calgary Science Centre ...... [email protected] Conceptron Associates ...... Advertising Coordinator East Coast Control Systems ...... Robert]. Bonadurer Evans & Sutherland ...... cover Director, Minneapolis Planetarium 300 Nicollet Mall Goto Optical Manufacturing ...... Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 USA Learning Technologies, Inc...... (1) 612-630-6151 0) 612-630-6180 fax Minneapolis Planetarium ...... [email protected] Minolta ...... Membership R. S. Automation ...... cover Indi vidual: $50 one year; $90 two years Seiler Instruments ...... cover Institutional: $200 first year; $100 annual renewal Library Subscriptions: $36 one year Show Doctor ...... Direct membership requests and changes ofaddress Sky-Skan, Inc ...... to the Treasurer!Membership Chairman; see next page for address and contact information. Spitz, Inc ...... Walrecht, Rob ...... I. P. Information Service The IPS Job Information Service has moved to the World Wide Web. Please check the 'Jobs" page on the IPS web site: http://www.ips-planetarium.org. sociate Back of Available from: Lars Broman Jim Manning Charlene Oukes International News What's New IPS Back Publications Repository Susan Button Steve Tidey Strasenburgh Planetarium Mobile News Network Formn Rochester Museum & Science Center 657 East Avenue Jane G. Hastings Rochester, NY 14607 USA Jane's Corner Index James Hughes A cumulative index of major articles that have Gibbous Gazette appeared in the Planetarian from the first issue through the current issue is available on paper ($12 ppd) or disk ($5 ppd) from the Exec. Editor. A shortened copy is at the Planetarian web site.
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Vol. 30, No.2, June 2001 Planetarian • likewise carefully distinguish I and figurative. For we are at I i speaking figuratively when we say that Copernicus removed earth from the center Dennis of the universe - for, literally, earth Department of English there to start with, and, whatever location, Copernicus didn't it! University of British Columbia In some respects, of course, this trope is inno- Vancouver, BC, Canada cent enough, and I'm not in pie to figurative language. But as I'll try to [email protected] show, we risk serious confusion unless we exercise caution in moving from the literal to the figurative. Geocentrism is a In the 1997 Hollywood science-fiction ues to be repeated again and again, as for term of literal denotation: Ptolemy's cosmol movie Men in Black, the main character, example in the pronouncement of Britain's ogy is called geocentric because he Agent Kay, is leading humanity's attempt to Astronomer Royal, Sir Martin Rees: "It is over that the earth stood literally, ge()m.etI'lCCtH defend itself against "the scum of the uni 400 years since Copernicus dethroned the at or in the center. But verse." And at one point in the dialogue Kay Earth from the privileged position that like ethnocentrism and eurocentrism - is a tries to chart human progress by declaring Ptolemy's cosmology accorded it."3 term whose primary denotation is that 500 years ago everyone thought (1) that the earth was flat, and (2) that we were the center of the universe. Abstract: The first of Agent Kay's two claims is real For more than three centuries scientists, historians, and popular ly very easy to dispose of - pace George and Ira Gershwin, who wrote, in a popular song, izers of science have been repeating the claim that Copernicus "They all laughed at Christopher Columbus / "dethroned" earth from its "privileged" central position in the uni When he said that the world was round." In verse. However, a survey of pre-Copernican natural philosophy fact I don't doubt that some of Columbus's contemporaries might have thought that (which viewed the earth as located in a cosmic sump) and of the earth was flat. On the other hand, I'd lay Copernicans' own account of the axiological meaning the new even odds that within a ten mile radius of heliocentric astronomy (which exalted earth to the dance of the your local planetarium you could find some stars) demonstrates that the cliche about earth's "demotion" is one who believes in a flat earth. If we're com paring educated people with educated peo unwarranted and fit to be discarded. ple, however, it is easy to show how Aristotle in the fourth century H.C. taught that the earth is spherical, and how Eratosthenes at This claim what I call the Great Coperni and axiological: To call an American euro the beginning of the second century B.C. can Cliche - has been repeated so often, and centric is to say that his or her value system devised a method for calculating, pretty by such respectable voices, that it is now vir is culturally "centered on" that of accurately, the circumference of the spheri tuallya part of everyone's mental furniture. (whatever that might mean). The first time cal earth.1 But I would like to begin disassembling it in ever visited London, England, I was a But that second claim of Agent Kay in Men three stages, by means of (1) an explication of tour by a proud Londoner who out in Black, the one about us no longer "being the nature, terms, and assumptions of the Piccadilly Circus to me and announced: the center of the universe," is the one I want cliche itself; (2) an examination of some of "And that is the center of the universe." He to focus on here. What I would like to sug the features of pre-Copernican physics and was, with full awareness, speaking ti(Tl"·,,tiu,p_ gest is that it actually impedes, even perverts, cosmology, with illustrations of how they and was making, perhaps with a touch of our understanding of the history of astrono have been misrepresented or misunderstood; self-irony, a statement about the ;»1l1n,·t'''<1ro my. and (3) an overview of how Copernicans' of the place. And yet, Hollywood B-movies aside, how own conception of their accomplishments Now, in underlining this distinction, I am often have you heard or read - or perhaps runs counter to more modern interpreta not of course denying that a even said - that Copernicus dethroned tions of the meaning of Copernicanism. might also be an anthropocentrist. I'm sim humankind by removing earth from the ply making the crucial preliminary point center of the universe? One hears this claim The Nature of the Cliche that literal and figurative meanings don't necessarily coincide, and that a critical from some quite reputable sources. Most The Great Copernican Cliche is premised understanding of the history of geocentrism, high school science texts seem to say so, as upon an uncritical equation of geocentrism as well as of the rejection of geocentrism, do many univerSity-level "Astronomy 101" with anthropocentrism. It presumes that, by ought to begin by observing the difference. syllabuses. Anyone writing on the history of removing earth from a physically and geo Then later on I want to argue further that, science as it relates to human value seems metrically central location in the universe, for most pre-Copernican and obliged to say so, including prominent scien Copernicus removed humankind (antlno astronomical authorities, geocentrism tists who authoritatively interpret that his pos), inhabitant of this earth, from its meta not in fact entail or even accompany asser tory for a wider public. Carl Sagan described physically central place in the cosmos. tions of earth's or humankind's preeminent Copernican ism as the first in a series of It helps us observe the distinction between importance. "Great Demotions ... delivered to human geocentrism and anthropocentrism if we pride."Z And the same general claim contin- In short, the great preponderance of
4 Planetarian Vol. dence I have examined suggests that the equation of pre- and anti-Copernican geocen In most medieval interpretations of Aristotle's and Ptolemy's cos trism with anthropocentrism, in spite of how mology, earth's position at the center of the universe was frequently it continues to be reasserted, is historically, philosophically, and scientifical as evidence not of its importance but ... its grossness. ly untenable. There neither is, nor in the unfolding of Copernican ism has there ever distinction between the expressions "the the location itself, in this case the been, any necessary correlation between lit center" and "in (or at) the center." location - and I mean not the center of eral, geometric centrality and "centrality" in The distinction is no mere splitting of earth as such but the center, the figurative sense of "importance" or hairs. Technically, Aristotle and Ptolemy did central place itself, not a massive "prominence." The affirmation of one does not believe that earth" was the center of the draws to itself. As Aristotle says not entail an affirmation of the other; nor universe." Rather, the universe had a center in Book 4 of the Physics, itself does the denial of one entail a denial of the point; and earth was so located that its cen certain influence."s And it is other. terpOint coincided with the universe's center that earth is of the heaviest point.4 It is quite understandable that we ment (earth heavier than the and the Mean should ignore this distinction or feel that it is three: water, air, and fire, in that order) that of Earth's Location merely trivial, given our tendency to read explains the on which is Newton back into pre-Newtonian physics. motionless in the center of the universe. In Before turning to Copernicus and his For Newton - and also, indirectl y, for this sense, then, very we immediate heirs, let's review some of the Einstein - it is the earth, the mass, that draws shouldn't even call the Aristotelian/Ptole- assumptions upon which Ptolemaic, pre objects towards its own center. But for maic COSITIOiOQV " but rather Copernican cosmology rested. A glance at Aristotle, the tendency of heavy things to something like "centro-centric," one aspect of Aristotelian physics will lead us fall down resulted not from the location of a have no great expectation that this term immediately to another distinction that certain mass but rather from the influence of catch on. modern interpreters often fail to observe: the Aristotle's literal, for earth is at or in the center of the uni verse has profound consequences, conse quences that almost uniformly run counter to the interpretations implied by the Great Copernican Cliche as it has been disseminat ed throughout histories of western cosmolo gy since the late seventeenth century. In most medieval interpretations of Aristotle's and Ptolemy's earth's the center of the universe was taken as dence not of its importance but (to a term still in circulation) its One of the clearest expositions of this idea is in the of the great Jewish UHHU,'U~ pher Moses Maimonides (1135-1204). drawing various parallels between the uni verse as a whole and an individual Maimonides nevertheless cautions that there are differences that undermine any analogy between macrocosm and micro cosm. One of these differences relates to place and importance of the center.
Living creatures endowed with a heart have it within the and in the midst thereof; there it is surrounded organs which it governs . ... The reverse occurs in the case of the Universe. The superior part encompasses the rior parts .... While it influences all that is contained within, it is not 'VO+I"flV,,'~>rI by any act or force of any material being. There is, however, some similari ty I between the universe and man] this In the the Copernicus' illustration of his system. From the outermost the bodies are 1 the fixed stars, 2 organs more distant Saturn, 3 Jupiter, 4 Mars,S Earth and Moon, 6 Venus, 7 Mercury, and 8 Sun. From De organ are of less Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium. nearer to it. Also in the universe, the nearer the parts are to the centre,
Vol. 2001 Planetarian greater is their turbidness, their solidity, their inertness, their dimness and darkness, because they are further away from the loftiest element, from the source of light and bright ness?
This view of our place in the uni verse undergirds Maimonides' subse quent warning in the same work that we must not "think that the spheres and the angels were created for our sake" (p. 276). A fuller survey of ancient and medieval Arabic, Jewish, and Christian thought - for which there is insufficient space here - would rein force this axiological dimension of cosmology. Upward is the direction of improvement and rising importance (within Christianity, for example, Heaven is up; Christ rises from death and into Heaven; the spirits of the devout are exalted - literally, "lifted high" - and so on). By contrast, down ward, toward the center, is the direc tion of deterioration, corruption, and the grave. In this sense, as Martianus Capella (fl. 410-439) points out in his cosmological writings, earth is "in the middle and at the bottom" position in the universe.s Thomas Aquinas, the greatest of medieval Christian losophers, declares that "in the uni verse, earth - that all the spheres encircle and that, as for place, lies in the center - is the most material and coarsest (ignobilissima) of all bodies."9 Moreover, based on a consistent ex trapolation from this view, the Middle Ages concei ved of hell as being located at the very center, and therefore coincident with the center of earth. In Dante's Divine Comedy, accordingl y, we find the Inferno, hell itself, in the earth's inmost core, at the very midpoint of which, in keep ing with Aristotelian physics as well as with poetic justice, appears Satan: not dancing in flames - for the ele ment of fire belongs in another place - but frozen, immobile, in ice)O To summarize, pre-Copernican cos mology pointed not to the meta physical or axiological "centrality" but rather to the sheer grossness of humankind and its abode. In this view, the earth appears as a universal pit, figuratively as well as literally the world's low point. As one historian of PLANISPH/ERIVM PTOLEMAICVM (The planispl1ere of Ptolemy, top) and PLANISPH/ERIVM ideas puts it, the medieval model is in COPERNICANVM (The planispl1ere of Copernicus, bottom). Plates 2 and 5 of Harmonia fact not anthropocentric but "an- Macrocosmica by Andreas Cellarius (c.1596 -1665) printed in 1660.
6 Planetarian Vol. 30, No.2, June 2001 tus of the earth, we notice how these "earth ... as for place, lies in the center - is the most material Bellarmine,s language. Both the and coarsest (ignobilissima) of all bodies," Fathers and the modern commentators Scripture, Bellarmine says, agree "in the thropoperipheral."ll This negative view So let us examine Copernicanism's exalta al interpretation that the sun is in encompasses, finally, not only ancient and tion of us and our earth against the backdrop and turns around the earth with great medieval writers, but also many prominent of medieval assumptions that I have ~ready and that the earth is very heaven voices usually associated with Renaissance sketched - assumptions whereby we find sits motionless at the center of the world."19 humanism. Giovanni Pico (1463-1494), even ourselves in a sort of cosmic sump here in Surely far from heaven" is a way within a work that acquired the title Oration the center of the universe. Consider first the from conjuring up any picture of a throne on the Dignity ofMan (1486), refers to our pre famous 1536 letter by Nicholas Schonberg a pedestal! Similar language is echoed sent dwelling place the earth as "the excre that prefixes the De revolutionibus, in which Galileo in what appears to be his response men tary and filthy parts of the lower he encouraged Copernicus to communicate Bellarmine. Here Galileo supports a less world."12 And a quarter century after the his cosmology to other scholars. In Coper alistic reading: "In regard to publication of De revolutionibus, in 1568, nicus's cosmology, Schonberg summarizes, in heaven and the earth outside Michel de Montaigne takes up the same "the sun occupies the lowest, and thus the Scripture seems to affirm, etc., this theme once more, declaring that we are central, place in the universe."17 The logic of seems to me to be simple np,'rpntir>n of "lodged here in the dirt and filth of the this phrase is significant: The place occupied ours and a manner of JOJ'-'"'''''''' world, nailed and riveted to the worst and by the sun is lowest, and therefore central, convenience."20 deadest part of the universe, in the lowest not the other way around. From this and other such cOITes;pond1en(:e story of the house, and most remote from We may also speculate that Copernicus the heavenly arch."13 may thus have felt a considerable degree of But what do we discover when we turn awkwardness, initially, in placing the sun in from this rich and thickly woven back this low location previously occupied by the ground to the work of twentieth-century lowly earth - and even perhaps that he is historians of science? How surprised might compensating for this apparent demotion of uncomplimentary and isolated Pi co and Montaigne be to read Morris Kline's the sun when, in his famous "hymn," he so status that Aristotle and the followers of confident declaration that one of the "pre poetically (but also with an appeal to practi Ptolemy ascribe to the earth. contrast, vailing doctrines of Christianity" in the time cality) describes the re-stationing: Galileo's version of promotes of Copernicus and Kepler was the "comfort earth and its inhabitants to a role of ing dogma" "that man was at the center of And behold, in the midst of all resides pation and reciprocation within the cosmic the universe; ... the chief concern of God," the sun. For who, in this most beautiful scheme. For example, in Sidereus Nuncius and "chief actor on the central stage."14 Can temple, would set this lamp in another (1610) Galileo explicitly presents his U"-'_VlHH we avoid the conclusion that what truly or a better place, whence to illuminate of earthshine - of how the earth sends appears as the prevalent view in the Middle all things at once? ... Truly indeed does to the moon as the moon shines Ages and beyond, of this earth as "the excre the sun, as if seated upon a royal the earth - as entailing community and mentary and filthy parts of the lower throne, govern his family of planets as merce between these two bodies, world," flatly contradicts the now-standard they circle about l1im,18 as indeed between two stars: "The earth, assertions of Kline and so many others who fair and grateful exchange, pays back to perpetuate this Great Copernican Cliche? My own suspicion is that this strenuous moon an illumination like that it revaluing and refurbishing of the center, receives from the moon."21 Furthermore, Copernicanism and the exaltation complete with "royal throne", was such a Galileo writes, this account militates against of the earth dazzling success that we have ever since "those who assert, principally on been blinded to how Copernicus's predeces grounds that it has neither motion nor In contrast with Maimonides, Dante, and sors truly viewed the central location. that the earth must be excluded from the Pico, Copernicus himself may be seen as "exalting" the position of humankind in the .. , contrary to the oft-repeated claim that ancient and medieval universe. Most famously, in the letter to Pope Paul III with which he opens De revolu geocentrism placed the earth and humankind in a position of tionibus, Copernicus tells how "it began to supreme or privileged importance in the universe, it is heliocen irritate me that the philosophers ... could not trism, the new cosmology of Copernicus, that truly construes the agree on a more reliable theory concerning the motions of the system of the universe, place of humankind as one of prominence. In Ptolemaic cosmology, which the best and most orderly Artist of all the place of earth is both low and lOWly. framed for our sake [propter nosl."15 As one critic comments, "if man is the beneficiary Consider another letter, one about Galileo dance of the stars. For ... the earth does have of the world, his profound 'centrality' written by Cardinal Bellarmine in 1615, motion, ... it surpasses the moon in remains, wherever he is physically located.... almost 80 years later than Schonberg's. ness, and ... it is not the sump where the uni- Copernicus' universe ... remains from this Bellarmine addresses the familiar issue of verse's filth and ephemera collect.flz2 perspective profoundly anthropocentric."16 whether the Bible itself dictates a geocentric The same idea is repeated with great The contrast with Maimonides' warning view. But looking beyond that issue and, and clarity more than twenty years later in more than three hundred years earlier not to keeping in mind geocentrism's evident Galileo's Dia/ogo, in which his SPC)keSmlan "think that the spheres and the angels were uncomplimentary implications for the sta- Salviati declares: "As for the earth, we seek ... created for our sake" could hardly be clearer.
Vol. No.2, June 2001 Planetarian to ennoble and perfect it when we strive to make it like the celestial bodies, and, as it ... earth were, place it in heaven, from whence your other part philosophers have banished it."23 "Your tre, which is the worst philosophers," in this case, of course, are the sorts of Ptolemaic astronomers who, accord those purer incorruptible bodies, the ing to the almost unanimous account of his torians of science for at least the past centu embrace of its orbit run Venus and ry, placed earth "on a at the center while at the center the sun rotates."24 This is of the world. However, contrary to the oft a of repeated claim that ancient and medieval what it means to be in the center. To exercise geocentrism placed the earth and human or actualize their divine kind in a position of supreme or privileged humans must be able to observe the universe importance in the universe, it is heliocen from a "central" but and "h~""Tir." trism, the new cosmology of Copernicus, point of view that truly construes the place of humankind what Kepler sees as this as one of prominence. In Ptolemaic cosmolo orbiting space station of ours. And for him, gy, the place of earth is both low and lowly. therefore, with the abolition of geocen But, in contrast, the cosmology of Coper trism may we truly say that we occupy the nicus and Galileo is, in more senses than one, best, most place in the universe. uppity. Indeed, so convinced was of the supe ness. Kepler's views are likewise strikingly riority of humankind's station here on anthropocentric. For Kepler, the center posi that, he a certain tion would be downright dull - and I don't for those (he thought) who dwell on mean just lacking in luminosity. He argues and theorizes that, in the divine that, because "man" was created for contem Jovians, so that won't feel too envious plation, "and adorned and equipped with of us earth-dwellers, are eyes, he could not remain at rest in the cen-· moons way of comlpeI1sclth::m: ter. On the contrary, he must make an annu Jovian creatures, therefore, have JVJ,~1\_UH al journey on this boat, which is our earth, to with which to console themselves. perform his observations.... There is no globe even have ... their own four "25 nobler or more suitable for man than the So again the question arises: How does earth. For, in the first place, it is exactly in the what Copernicans and actu middle of the principal globes .... Above it are ally wrote square with the pronouncements Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. Within the of modern commentators? Where does it
role in the untoldlrl.lZ his young
am also not yet able to I-''''I-''--'UH when the cliche first Kepler, Galileo, and Copernicus on the Astronomers Monument, would venture that
8 Planetarian decades after 1640. In that Wilkins, perhaps the greatest English apologist for ... the Great Copernican Copernicanism in the mid-seventeenth cen an innocent tury, explicitly acknowledges that heliocen ry story that materialist recites to itself as a mea trism stands in opposition to those geocen trists who argue from the premise that the of displacing its own hubris onto what it to call the central position is the universe's worst loca Ages." tion, and that earth "consists of a more sor did and base matter than any other part of the world; and therefore must be situated in nicus. No sooner was the earth recog- it the centre, which is the worst place, and at nized as being round and the greatest distance from those purer incor tained, than it was ruptible bodies, the heavens."29 the However, the mid-16S0s or thereafter, some writers can indeed be found associating geocentrism with human self And from Goethe and the importance. these are de to the present there has been, in more senses Bergerac, who protests "the insufferable than one, almost no back. pride of humans," and Thomas Burnet, who How we account for the of inhabitants as it were retaliates by referring to our earth this and for its manifest suc- cial. Instead it offers - if Oln"..-,,,.-.rr as an "obscure and sordid particle."30 But it is cess in out all others? I have JfJ'-_'--> pleased" with denial of and human JfJ'-_'-nHH'--JJ the demotion they read the universe. However, this conven- into the accomplishment tional view I have offered an array of of Copernicus. But the evidence. And my trick of this supposed de those who still to the Great Copermc:an thronement is that, while Cliche is that rendering take to rescue and refurbish it, or else Bernard ie Bouvier de Fontenelle (1657 -1757). "Man" less cosmically and don it to the of discredited ideas.33 important, Vol. 2001 Planetarian Literature (Cambridge UP, Cambridge, Psycho-Analysis See Aristotle, Physics 296b-297a; in The 1964), p. 58. New York, 1935), p. 252. Works of Aristotle, edited by W. D. Ross, 12 Giovanni Pico, Oration on the Dignity of 27 John Donne, An World (Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1930), vol. 2; Man, in The Renaissance Philosophy of (London, 1611); Blaise Pascal, Pensees (ca. and Robert Osserman's account of Era Man, edited by Ernst Cassirer et al. (U of 1650), from Thoughts, translated tosthenes in Osserman, Poetry of the Chicago P, Chicago, 1948), p. 224.Jhe Trotter (Collier, New York, 1910), Universe: A Mathematical Exploration of original phrase is "excrementarias ac Robert Burton, The n ','Ulii/,,, the Cosmos (Anchor Books, New York, foeculentas inferioris mundi partes"; choly (1638; Vintage Books, New York, 1995), pp.1O-15. Opera Omnia Ioannis Pici (Basel, 1493), p. 1977), second partition, p. 57. 2 Carl Sagan, Pale Blue Dot (Random House, 314. 28 Clearly the "plurality of worlds" debate New York,1994), p. 26. 13 Montaigne, An Apology of Raymond Se and the "infinitizing" of the universe 3 Martin Rees, Before the Beginning bond; in The Essays of Michel de Mon writers as diverse as Bruno and Newton (Addison-Wesley /Helix Books, Reading, taigne, translated by Charles Cotton played a major role in this MA, 1998), p. 100. (George Bell, London, 1892), vol. 2, p.134. kind of 4 See Galileo's concise account of the 14 Morris Kline, Mathematics: The Loss of' . 29 John Wilkins, The Mathematical and Philo Aristotelian view of the relationship Certainty (Oxford UP, New York, 1980), p. sophical Works (Frank Cass, London, between the center of the earth and the 40; and Mathematics in Western Culture 1970), pp. 190-191. center of the universe: "The motion of (George Allen and Unwin, London, 1954), 30 Cyrano de Bergerac, Les etats et de heavy bodies is directly toward the cen p.117. la lune (Paris, 1656), and Thomas Burnet, ter of the universe, and it happens per 15 Nicholas Copernicus, De Revolution/bus Telluris Theoria sacra (London, 1681), accidens that this is toward the center of (1543), excerpt as translated in The Book both quoted by Paolo Rossi, of the earth, because the latter coincides of the Cosmos, edited by Dennis R. Daniel Man and Plurality of Worlds," in Science, with the former and is united to it." son (Perseus Publishing/Helix Books, Medicine and Society in the Renaissance, Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Cambridge, MA, 2000), p. 106. edited by Allen G. Debus (Science Systems, translated by Stillman Drake, 16 Fernand Hallyn, The Poetic Structure of Publications, New York, 1972), vol. 2, pp. 2nd ed. (U of California P, Berkeley, 1967), the World, translated by Donald M. Leslie 131-162 (pp.151, 155). p.34. (Zone Books, New York, 1990), p. 58. 31 Bernard Le Bouvier de Fon tenelle, 5 Aristotle, Physics, Book 4, p. 208b; in The 17 Copernicus, On the Revolutions, edited by Entretiens sur fa Pluralite des Mondes, Works ofAristotle, edited by Ross, vol. 2. Jerzy Dobrzycki, translated by Edward 1686; The Theory or 6 . French intenectual historian Remi Rosen (Johns Hopkins UP, Baltimore, Inhabited ¥yorlds, translated Brague claims to have found one, only '1978), p. xvii. (The original phrase is: Behn (London, 1700), p. 16. one, major medieval figure who does see "Solem imum mundi, adeoque medium 32 Johann Wolfgang Goethe, Materialien geocentrism as entailing anthropocen locum obtinere.") zur Geschichte der Farbenlehre; in Goethes trism, namely the Jewish theologian 18 Copernicus, De revolu tioni bus 1.10; Werke, Hamburger (Christian Saadia Gaon (882-942). However, com excerpt as translated in The Book of the Wegner Verlag, Hamburg, 1960), vol. 14, ments Brague, this position "is utterly Cosmos, p. 117. p. 81: "Doch unter allen out of tune with the rest of the mediae 19 Cardinal Robert Bellarmine to Foscarini und Dberzeugungen mochte nichts eine val concert." See Brague, "Geocentrism as (12 April 1615), in The Galileo Affair: A groil.ere Wirkung auf den menschlichen a Humiliation for Man," Medieval En Documentary History, edited and translat Geist hervorgebracht haben, als die Lehre counters 3(3),187-210 (1997). ed by Maurice A. Finocchiaro (U of des Kopernikus. Kaum war die Welt als 7 Moses Maimonides, The Guide for the California P, Berkeley, 1989), p. 68 (italics rund anerkannt und in sich selbst Perplexed, translated by M. Friedlander, added). schlossen, so soUte sie auf das ungeJhellre 2nd ed., (Dutton, New York, 1919), pp. 118- 20 The Galileo Affair, p. 84 (italics added). Vorrecht Verzicht tun, der 19 (italics added). 21 Galileo, Sidereus Nuncius (Venice, 1610), des WeI taUs zu sein." 8 Martianus Capella and the Seven Liberal folio 15r: "aequa grataque permutatione 33 would like to record my gratitude for Arts, vol. 2, The Marriage of Philology and rependit Tellus parem illuminationem the privilege I had of delivering an earlier Mercury, translated by William Harris ipsi Lunae, quale & ipsa a Luna ... recipit." version of this paper as an invited ple r Stahl and Richard Johnson with E. L 22 Ibid., folio 16 : "qui earn a Stellarum corea nary lecture to the combined of Burge (Columbia UP, New York, 1977), p. arcendam esse iactitant, ex eo potissi the American Astronomical 318 (italics added). mum, quod a motu, & a lumine sit vacua: the American Association of 9 Thomas Aquinas, Commentary on Ari vag a enim illam, ac Lunam splendore teachers in San Diego, 11 January 2001. A stotle's De Caelo (1272 s.), II, xiii, 1 & xx, n. superantem, non autem sordium, mun longer version is forthcoming in the 7, in vol. 3, p. 202b of the Leonina ed.; danarumque secum sentinam, esse American Journal of Physics, and the pre translated and quoted by Brague, p. 202. demonstrabimus, & naturalibus quoque sent version appears in the Planetarian 10 Because ice is solid, not liquid, it is cate rationibus sexcentis confirmabimus." by permission of the editor of the gorized in Aristotelian physics as earth, 23 Galileo, Dialogue, p. 37. Am,f.Phys. For good advice and useful not water. The fact that Galileo's experi 24 Kepler's Con versa tion wi th Ga Ii leo's leads I would also like to thank Janet ments with floating pieces of ice (Dis Sidereal Messenger (1610), translated by Danielson, Steven Dick, Tzvi course on Bodies in Water, 1612) chal Edward Rosen Oohnson Reprint Corpora mann, Jim Lattis, Rachel lenged this categorization is partly what tion, New York, 1965), p. 45 (italics Jean-Louis Trudel. research was sup made them so controversial. added). ported in part by the Social Sciences and 11 C. S. Lewis, The Discarded Image: An Intro 25 Ibid., p. 46. Humanities Research Council of Canada. duction to Medieval and Renaissance 26 Sigmund Freud, A General Introduction to 10 Planetarian Vol. The geometry of the theater is multi-use In astronomy shows tors, the intention was for the theater suitable for live musical pertc.rrrlarlCE~s, ferences, and lectures. Therefore the a is not omnidirectional but is toward the design architect saw the theater as a The Facility nomical instruments. tor of a hillside, meadow The purpose of the facility, in addition to rise to a color scheme of earth-tone The Chabot Space & Science Center, locat providing an array of observing facilities for and natural wood finishes. ed in Oakland, California, is a replacement amateur and professional astronomers, for the patrons is on either and expansion of the previous Science Cen Oakland School District teachers, and college the front with out the back of ter and historic observatories that were built students, is to provide teacher training in the theater. The projection dome is tilted in the nineteen-twenties and recently found sciences, educational facilities for primary degrees to allow the minimum unsuitable for their purpose because of and secondary education students, and edu- at the back for earthquake damage. The new site is 5.5 hectares (13.5 acres) located on a fairly re mote ridge at 470 meters (1,540 feet) above sea level. The new facility has a gross area of 8,000 sq. m. (86,000 sq. ft.) housing a net program area of 5,200 sq. m (56,000 sq. ft.). The pro ject's construction cost of $43 million includ ing around $10 million for special construc tion and technical instruments. Construc tion began in May, 1998, and was completed in August, 2000. The building houses several state-of-the-art facilities including a planetar ium, dome projection Science Theater for 70mm presentations, and Challenger Center. The planetarium, the largest in northern California, features an array of 80 projectors including the most advanced Zeiss star and solar system projectors and state-of-the-art laser and video projectors for special effects. There are major permanent and temporary exhibit areas and science classrooms. cational facilities for the general public. In the back half of the theater, behind the pro The facility houses the relocated 51 em jection dome, is the projector with a (20-inch) and 20 em (8-inch) refractor tele addition, as an Associate of the Smithsonian Institution, the facility houses major travel width varying between 2 and 3.4 meters (7 scopes and the 10 cm (4-inch) Meridian ing exhibitions featuring science and tech and 11 feet) with the widest part at the back Transit telescope from the existing observa nology. The sponsors of this project have of the theater. The projector slot is 15 tories. These are historic telescopes dating adopted the concept of proViding an obser meters (SO feet) in length on both sides of the from the late nineteenth century. In addi vatory for the sciences in the widest range of tion, there is a new 91 cm (36-inch) reflector theater with power and control outlets for as scales - from microscopic to cosmic. many as 40 projectors and a series of stage telescope and a complement of new astro- oriented, theatrical spotlights. Central in the theater is the pit where the main projectors are located. At the Richard W. Smith is a licensed architect in California and Massachusetts. He holds the Ph.D. spherical center of the dome is the Zeiss in architecture from the University of California at Berkeley and a Master of Architecture Universarium model IX on FlexLift from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is the design architect for the Chabot lift. The lift has a rise of 1 meter which cen Space & Science Center Planetarium, 8/70 dome projection film theater, Challenger Center, ters the Zeiss projector on the dome low and Observatories. He is currently a Senior Architect on the staff of Anshen + Allen ers it for other presentations. In front of the Architects, San Francisco California. star projector is the array of Zeiss solar Vol. No.2, June 2001 Planetarian system projectors. Other projectors include 1. Horizontal Dome Theater VS. Tilted Dome the AVI Omniscan 200 laser projector and a Theater is more Barco model 808 video projector. The projec Although each has its advantages and dis speakers must be nr.,,,"1,,,,, U"'."")',," tor pit includes an ever-expanding set of spe advantages, it is crucial to decide early on the of catwalks. The catwalks cial effect projectors incl uding the Zeiss basic configuration to be used. Although the between the OUIlQJmg meteor projector. Adjacent to the projector structural reqUirements for each are similar, and sometimes conflict with air 'LVHUAU'VH pit is the projector utility room containing the circulation and exiting are very different. ingducts. power supplies, transformers, and control Also, accommodation in the overall building cabinets. The 170-degree projection dome is layout will be very different in terms of cir 4. by Astro-tec and has a spherical diameter of culation, support spaces, and access to the Determination of the proper rake 21.55 meters (70.674 feet). projectors. chair backs is for proper \7,""AT1"H The planetarium control console is in the throughout the theater. However back-of-dome projector gallery space but 2. Early definition of the Projection System rake factor in the """-O"'--.-.L intrudes into the theater enough so that a Prior to the initiation of design studies for show presenter can see most of the dome. the planetarium, the complete presentation ater seating The control console consists of four standard system should be defined. Star projectors of the chair can vary C011SI,QeJ:a AV rack-width panels arrayed in a 1.5 meter must be located at the exact spherical center man ufacturers (5 feet) radius. This accommodates the Zeiss, of the projection dome. Video and Laser pro extreme rake - say 45 Omniscan, and show control keyboards, jectors have more flexibility but also real problem in theaters graphic tablet, and flat screen monitors. want to be located close to the dome center. tiers because some must Adjacent are four AV racks housing the Since each system will have specific support on the chair dimension. The dilemma MegaSystems AV control system and ampli requirements and geometrics, these must be an assumption of dimensions smaller fiers, the East Coast Control computer, and defined at the start to allow the rest of the required the chair to be used may various AV media players and controls. The theater to be designed. Changes in projection duce rows that are too narrow for rnrnfp\l·t_ audio system amplifiers (Media Matrix) pro systems later may require an adjustment or able access or may even be too narrow vide 1,300 watts each (8 ohms) for a total of redesign of the theater. meet code requirements. On the other 10,400 watts. An array of eight 46 cm (18 assumption of dimensions inch) Peavy subwoofers is powered by two 3. Early definition of the Speakers and required may result in a lower theater seat- of the amplifiers while the remaining six Placement Requirements HHHUH>;. an channels use one amplifier each. Each of the Planetarium speakers are typically large chair design and manufacturer can elllmrnalte six speaker arrays consists of two 38 cm (15 and, with support brackets, can weigh over this problem. However, since most plalnetaria inch) Peavy woofers and a JBL three-driver 135 kilograms (300 pounds) each. They are public projects competitive array for the mid and high frequencies. reqUire an access path for installation and for bidding, an bid may later maintenance. An early determination quired to avoid this problem. Designing a Planetarium: Ten Im must be made whether the speakers are to be portant Design and Construction supported on the dome or on the building 5. involvement Issues structure. Supporting on the building struc· nel of the Theater The planetarium director, technicians, even relevant board and committee bers may have a commitment to the mentals of the theater. The ing the program and the presenta- tion systems should make known their mitments prior to the initiation of This will the process and contribute to the of the result. These ments should be included in the program for the Case and Studies may be rArllli,r<=>rI to enable these commitments. 6. Dome Tolerances vs. '\lJl1nrlrtinO" Structure Tolerances The dome manufacturer may erances such as radius within 6 mm (1/4 inch) and levelness of the dome support within 3 mm (1/8 inch). However, standard erection tolerances as given the AISC may be as much as plus or minus 12 mm (1/2 for the dome support system. This to delays of construction when the dome manufacturer comes to the site to assemble their dome to find that the support is Start ofscaffolding for the projection dome assembly platform. too far out of may refuse 12 Planetarian SECOND FLOOR PLAN ') • I • / -8·----i------: J - FIRST FLOOR PLAN P: PROJECTOR PIT 0: WHEELCHAIR LIFT 1'4: PI.ANETAAIUM M: PROJECTOR GALLERY L: Pl.ANETAAlUM CONSOlE K: EXIT VESTIBULE LONGITUDINAL SECTION J: UPPER LOBBY I ROTUNDA I: PRESElllTATION PLATFORM H: PI.ANETARlUM MANTElIIANCE I SHOP G: Pl.ANETAAIUM ENTRY DUCT F: STORAGE E: TECHNICIAN'S OFFICE D: RETURN AIR PLENUM C: PROJECTOR UTILITY ROOM B: OOATROOM II:. BUILDING LOBBY I ROTUNDA PLANETARIUM AT THE CHABOT SPACE & SCIENCE CENTER, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA insulation, the heating and ventilation ducts should be purged and theater construction should be complete (not complete) except for the installation of the projection dome, seating and carpeting in the auditorium space. Also, all surfaces of the back-of-dome area should be wiped and vac uumed. If spray-on acoustic insulation is to be used, overspray should be minimized and cleaned up by wiping and vacuuming. 10. Cleanliness during construction A major disappointment in a completed planetarium will be secondary images of bright bodies (sun, moon, and planets) as they traverse the dome. These are created by an insufficiently blacked-out behind-the dome area. Even though a true flat-black paint may have been used, image ghosting may be the result of dust settling on the fin ished surfaces. This is one reason for requir ing all construction in the space be complet Photo from the catwalk THROUGH the projection surface. ed prior to painting. At that point, the the ater should be treated in a similar way to an to install and the project may be delayed out. The construction drawings and specifi industrial "clean room." It should be sealed because the dome manufacturer has to go cations should explicitly include this re and access should be controlled to prevent elsewhere to keep its previous commitments. quirement. A proven flat-back paint should contamination. Also, the miss-match of tolerances can lead be specified and a sample application provid to disputes on who is responsible for the cor ed for approval prior to application. Appli Conclusion rection of work and losses due to schedule cable areas include ducts and diffusers, struc delays. The solution to this problem is to ture, catwalks, speakers, light fixture hous These ten items are the major ones that include the dome manufacturer's specifica ings, and electrical conduit. If a fire sprinkler come to mind in looking over the past five tion in the construction documents for the system is required in this area, sprinkler pip years. There are many more issues that can dome support ring. ing should be painted and black sprinkler be cumulatively significant. Each project is heads should be specified. All insulation - different because of its context and the indi 7. Projector Installation Access Path thermal and acoustic - should be flat black viduals involved. However, I feel that most Designers must make sure that there is material. Prior to the installation of acoustic projects will have to deal with issues similar adequate height, width, and geometrics for to those outlined in this article. transporting the planetarium projectors from the unloading area to the final position in the theater. In the case of the Zeiss Universarium and the associated eleva tor/support this can be substantial. Particular care should be given to turns and maneuver ing space along the path. 8. Plan Theater in Context The theater should be created in context with the overall experience and use of the facility. The sequence of arrival, reception, ticketing, information, and the location of coatrooms should be considered to provide a smooth overall transition. Time of day should also be considered. Will the planetari um be open on evenings or days when the rest of the facility is closed? How will this affect the continuum of experience? If the theater is a tilted dome, will exiting out the top take people to a part of the facility that is closed? If so, how will exiting be handled? 9. Back-ot-Dome Blackout For proper viewing conditions, all areas behind the projection dome must be blacked Projection dome structure complete, ready for surface panels. 14 Planetarian Vol. 30, No.2, 2001 Spark the imagination af audiences with dazzling astronamical effects and shows. An animation from the An animation from a astronomical library. constellation show. Omniscan works perfedly with all forms of starfield and special effects proiedion systems. For more informotion coil 1-800-952-7374 or 407 -859-8166 You can also visit our website at www.av-imagineering.com been influenced by the classic, tried and test For The ed Dorling Kindersley format. The first few chapters give a standard, light coverage of the solar system, and the later chapters talk sonian Institution Press, about astronauts, space stations, black holes Box 960, Herndon, and aliens. 20172-0960, USA, 2000, As there are a number of similar books on 56098-833-9, $16.95 (paper). the market aimed at the same readership which don't have all the mistakes found in Reviewed by Steve Alexander this one, I can't bring myself to recommend Planetarium,Jacksonville, Florida, USA. [email protected] it. A keener editorial eye would have knocked it up a few more rungs, and made it books dedicated to a more worthy book. tory of human space travel focus Greeting on the first solstice of the millen the technology than the nium, bibliophiles. We offer a mix of titles Moon Landing: The Race for the technology. But this marvelous book for your reading pleasure this quarter: some Moon by Carole Stott, DK the refreshingly reverse aD1DfC)ach for children, some for teachers, some for the Publishing, 95 Madison A ve us invaluable into the trials, general public. Our thanks to the publishers nue, New York, New York, tions, joys and frustrations of the enJ~m.eeJrs who provided the books and these loyal 10016, USA, 1999, ISBN 1-7894- in the USA and who dedicated readers who provided the reviews: Francine 3958-1, US$14.95 (hardcover). careers to ways to get Jackson,John Mosley, and Steve Tidey. Earth orbit, and then to the moon. Reviewed by April Whitt, Fernbank Science Oxford First Book Of Space by Center, Atlanta, Georgia USA. ... an account of the extraor Andrew Langley, Oxford Uni dinary human beings who versity Press, 198 Madison It doesn't seem to matter what exotic Avenue, New York, New York, object we can offer viewers at our public invented the space 10016, USA, 2000, ISBN observatory open-houses. The moon is their it to the powers that 0195216865, $18.95. favorite (unless Saturn's rings are at a particu managed the development larly good angle). From tiny children being Reviewed by Steve Tidey, Alexander Brest lifted to the eyepiece to their excited grand a complex technologic Planetarium,Jacksonville, Florida, USA. parents, everyone seems to like looking at enterprise .... A novelist the moon. not concoct a more j- In light of the book's title, there are some And for children who want to learn about nating cast of characters. serious errors in the text and images that the Apollo space program, this book is a would not make this the ideal first space good choice. (History? How can it be histo book to give a child. For example, on page ry? I saw it on TV. Real time.) If seven the outline of Orion shows the hunter facing east, rather than west as it should be. I n well-written prose, with Goddard, Werner Von Braun, I've never seen this mistake made in any Hermann Oberth, et al than is other book, and to find it in an OUP publica plenty of the side bars and about them in the more standard aD1Jro,acl1es tion is particularly surprising and disap colorful illustrations that to space then you pointing. On page ten readers are given the are Dorling-Kindersley's find a much better source than this impression that the moon is 50 times smaller tion, their blC).!UilpJhles. than the Earth. On page 11, a waxing crescent trademark, the information The preface sums up the book lunar phase is mistakenly labeled as a quarter is offered in small bites for ing it is Ii ... an account of the ex'tra,orcHnar moon. On page 14, the schematic of the plan the 9 to 12 year old reading human who invented the space age, ets orbits shows Pluto never coming closer to sold it to the powers that be and HHHHH:''-,", crowd. the Sun for a short time than Neptune, the development of a complex tec:nrlol,ogllcal which is clearly incorrect. On page 33 the pni-pr,-,ri<,p that has shaped the author states that there's no gravity in Earth In well-written prose, with plenty of the 20th century .... A novelist could not concoct orbit. side bars and colorful illustrations that are a more fascinating cast of characters." Oh, dear. Dorling-Kindersley's trademark, the informa One of the more aspects On the plus side, though, this is an attrac tion is offered in small bites for the 9 to 12 ered is a detailed, well researched tive book to look at. The design has clearly year old reading crowd. There is not much grimly fascinating account of the V-2 rocket depth, but the book is a good introduction program out of which the USA got its The first few chapters give a or overview. program started. We learn about Several pages of the volume are devoted ries and mines where people were standard, light coverage of the Apollo 11 mission, but later missions are worked to death. We discover how the solar system, and the described, and there is a good list of missions, Braun and his fellow (not later chapters talk about dates and summaries from Sputnik 1 to ImpHcated in the human abuses) astronauts, space stations, Lunar Prospector. contact with the US forces, and the This would be a good choice for your cess they had to go of black holes and aliens. book or gift shop. ed into the Huntsville, Alabama comrnunity 16 Planetarian Vol. Goddard's career is traced from his child "B-11: The Reason for the Seasons hood, playing with homemade rockets in his It is a leisurely book to read. sium" for example). garden up to the height of his achievements But it does contain a lot of The volume begins with several as a loner. Many people wanted to help him, creative thinking, and it essays from Dennis Schatz detailing effective but he didn't seem to want or trust outside ways to facilitate learning, describing educa involvement. could become qUite useful tion reform and the implications for our Korolev's story is particularly enlighten when looking for inspiration teaching, and offering suggestiOns for a ing. He had a long imprisonment, bitter for a new planetarium show. lem-based approach to teaching astronomy. rivalries with other engineers and petty This overview alone would make an excel bureaucracy to deal with, while at the same tographs, some of which spread across two lent undergraduate teacher-preparation time continuously trying to find a compro pages. But the book is not just gloss. The writ course. mise between what the politicians, ravenous ing is almost poetiC with uneven line Following the introduction, 27 lesson for more "firsts" in space, demanded and lengths; the pace is slow, deliberate, and plans are laid out in the same clear format as what he felt the Soviet program could rea thoughtful. It is packed with ideas, not the first Universe volume. Teachers will find sonably achieve without killing cosmo words, and the pages have plenty of "white it easy to read through and prepare any of nauts. Some of the resulting risks taken were space." It is a leisurely book to read. But it these activities. Supply lists are complete. All jaw-dropping. For example, in 1964 Premier does contain a lot of creative thinking, and it the activities use simple materials. Student Khrushchev was so anxious to get three cos could become quite useful when looking for data sheets are ready to reproduce. Back monauts up in a capsule for the first time as inspiration for a new planetarium show. ground information is well-written and a spoiler for the first US two-man Gemini Topics covered include the origin and comprehensi ve. There are even lists of flight that Korolev agreed against his better evolution of life and speculation on where it resources and astronomy activities and sites judgment to remove the ejector seat mecha might exist (or might have existed) in our on the web. nism so three people could fit inside - not solar system, and thoughts on communica wearing space suits. He breathed the ulti tion across extraterrestrial space with mus The Project ASTRO team has mate sigh of relief when they landed safely. ings on what "they" might be like and what created another set of les This book is replete with many stories like we might have in common with them. this that I hadn't heard before. There are also This is bound to be a popular book and a son plans and teaching highly detailed accounts of meetings of good one to remember at gift-giving times resources that implement obscure government agencies and boards and when we're casting around for ideas for thei r ph i losophy of putti ng whose work eventually led to the creation of a new "life beyond earth" planetarium show. NASA in 1957. the learner in the position of A real page turner that comes highly rec More Universe At Your Fingertips thinking and acting like a sci ommended. Edited by Andrew Fraknoi and entist. Dennis Schatz, Project ASTRO, Astronomical Society of the Life Beyond Earth by Timothy Pacific, 390 Ashton Avenue, San And the author list is a "who's who" in Ferris, Simon & Schuster, 1230 Francisco, California, 94112, astronomy. William Hartman provides a Avenue of the Americas, New USA, 2000, ISBN 1-886733-98-8. long-distance crater measurement exercise, York, New York, 10020, USA, US$24.95 plus US$5.00 for ship Allan Meyer's "Remember the Egg!" gets stu 2001, ISBN 0-684-84937-1. US$40. ping. dents observing and thinking about observa tions, Jeanne Bishop offers two rotation and Reviewed by John Mosley, Griffith Obser Reviewed by April Whitt, Fernbank Science revolution lessons, Jill Tarter's group vatory, Los Angeles, California. Center, Atlanta, Georgia USA. describes how to send a message into the unknown, and there is a whole section about A perennial popular topiC for planetarium By this time in the school year, most of us meteorites from NASA's Johnson Space shows is the quest for life beyond earth and are winding down school planetarium pro Flight Center. speculation on the technology we (or "they") gramming (or the students left last month When I first received More Universe at Your might use to communicate across the gulf of and we're cleaning up the last of the candy Fingertips, I was looking for an activity for a space. The topiC is hardly new and we've all wrappers under the back row). As you take a teacher workshop. I found just what I need done plenty of "ET Life" shows - but there minute to rest, remember to breathe, and ed, and it was a big success with the teachers. has been progress here as everywhere in look through this excellent resource. Be pre Offer this book in the "teacher resource" sec astronomy and there is new information to pared to get inspired for next year. tion of your gift shop, recommend it to present and new approaches to take. In this The Project ASTRO team has created school boards and curriculum teams, get the superb book Timothy Ferris outlines his own another set of lesson plans and teaching PT A/PTO to buy one for each school, men perspective and gives us a fresh look at an resources that implement their philosophy tion it to the teacher-training faculty at your old problem. of putting the learner in the position of local college or university, and treat yourself Based on the Public Broadcasting System thinking and acting like a scientist. None of to your own copy. The activities are excel film special of the same name, this large-for these is a duplicate from the earlier Universe lent, the presentation is user-friendly and the mat book would look good on a coffee table at Your Fingertips volume (which is still avail publication is first quality. and it would entertain guests from all walks able from ASP). The format is the same, a Copies of the book (order code B0123) are of life. Physically it resembles Timothy's first loose-leaf binder divided into sections, num available directly from the mail order cata astronomy book, Galaxies, with its mar bered continuously from the first volume logue (telephone 1-800-335-2624) or on-line velously sharp large glossy color pho- (the lone Sun and Seasons actiVity is labeled at www.aspsky.org. Vol. 30, No.2, June 2001 Plane tar ian INTUITIVE IMAGE-PROCESSING SOFT PRECISE EDGE-BLENDING fOR ARBITRARY PROJECTOR GEOMETRI SPHERICAL & RECTANGULAR IMAGE MAPPING fULLDOME PANORAMA AND ALL-SKY IMAGING ANTI-ALIASING TRAINING & SUPPORT AVAILABLE Runs under Windows™ 98/NT/2000 Distribted in and Japan by =---~'''''''''''''';;;;;;:;~~;'';f~;Hdm;'icmBai'' Bowen Productions, Indianapolis, IN 317.226.9650 [email protected] www.spitzinc.com Ford, PA 1 7 time - 32 minutes time - 37 minutes # of slides - 152 # of slides - 120 time - 37 minutes time - 35 minutes 55 FOR # of slides - 172 # of slides - 270 MORE INFORMATION AND SAMPLE H~I~n~& CASsmES. VISIT OUR WEBSITE time - 30 minutes time - 34 minutes AT: WWW.MPLANETARUM.ORG # of slides - 120 # of slides - 120 working in portable planetariums! I hope if the event is successful! you find it a rewarding new adventure. With your background your students will be at an advantage and I am sure will both enjoy and learn much from your lessons. The myth of l'erser>nOlne, Bob will be reporting on his use of a sound dess, was passed on from geI1er'ation system in the giant Starlab dome, during a ation and this myth foretold the chanJginlg Brought to you by and of interest to: "Starlab and Small Dome Share-a-thon" at the seasons. With the return of l'elrSeDhonlf' Powerful Interactive Planetarium Systems the joint GLPA/SEPA conference in June. It comes the return of the season will be an interesting presentation, and I'll the bounty of Mother Earth can be Susan keep you posted on what worked for him. ed when she leaves. Other sure OeM can be observed in chased away Orion the animals and can have their babies; Ursa dim bed to the zenith to heal I'd like to brag a little! My son is Director down on earth as he and it come of the Robert A. Macoskey Center for Sus again! Come and tainable Systems Education and Research at spring sky in the Starlab planetariurn. Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania [email protected] (USA). How is that for a title! When he first got this job, he e-mailed the How did the ancients use the ...... r.cd·;~~ family these comments, I am teaching one Welcome to a New ST ARlAB celestial such as the sun, moon, stars class per semester in the Master of Science in Planetarian: and constellations to determine their Sustainable Systems program (built environ Robert R Hayward (Astronomer/Educator on Earth? We will examine the reCnnilO1JeS ment track), and overseeing all research projects, Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute { used for determining not latitude but graduate assistants, and outreach programs at PARI Drive, Rosman, NC 28772, Tel: 828-862- also time of season and direction. the center. Not to mention I will continue to 5554, fax: 828-862-5877, http://www.parLedu) techniques are both design and construct many new projects, formerly of Fernbank, has joined the wold of complex! (including a farm implement storage structure fulltime portable planetarians. He announc (for tractors, rotovators, plows, etc), a 1920's ed this change with the following e-mail, liThe Reasons for the Seasons" homestead spring house restoration/renovation Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) Participants wiH observe and record and many other things as well). Oh and I'm als~ just purchased one of the large dome STAR tial events associated with the rh".,."ro-i,",.~ trying to finish up my masters degree and archi LABs. The purchase was funded by a grant from sons at their latitude. We will use this tect's licensing requirements in my spare sec the Community Foundation of Western North define how the relationship of Earth's onds. But my most important duty by far is Carolina for the purpose of developing and lution and the sun's a role mowing the lawn ... =) teaching outreach programs in Transylvania, sonal Predictions will be made I think it is important work; educating people Henderson and Jackson Counties, NC. On Feb garding the sun's and seasonal ch,m~!es about environmental issues, and bringing peo ruary 28 I retired after 30+ years as an astron at other latitudes. Then we will test our ple together from different disciplines to talk omer and administrator at Fernbank Science dictions. about (and act upon) local and global environ Center in Atlanta. Yesterday, March 12, I start mental problems. It's sort of odd/puzzling that ed my new part-time position as Astrono you need such a specialized education to talk mer /Educator for PARI. I will be developing pro about things so general though ... for example: In a previous column (Vol. 28, No.2, grams this spring in hopes of hitting the ground Why aren't we creating buildings that are 1999) I mentioned that I had been wo,rkin2" running in the fall. PARI is a public not-for net energy exporters rather than energy sinks? on some new activities for students. As profit foundation whose primary purpose is to Why can't the water leaving a building be '-AI"lQUl':;::U, in New York State students are establish and provide an astronomical observa cleaner than the water entering? Why does the mandated to learn to ...... U'-UH tory and study site to be used for education and concept of waste exist? (because it doesn't in thoughts and data. I also .-.r,~~';rr,~ research by colleges, universities and grades K- nature ... waste from one system = food for some versions of some or~~arnzl~rs 12. It is located in the heart of the Pisgah another) I developed for my classes. I have nro,ro~,~~~ National Forest on a site formerly a NASA He makes this mother proud! the following two for this column, more will tracking station and later a DOD facility. Please My husband, Tom Button, and I will be follow in other issues of the Planetarian. put me on your mailing list. While I have been visiting my son, Tom Reynolds, for the These two "Moon Phase" spectrum line using Fernbank's STARLABs for over 20 years, annual Earth Day Festival that is actually a ganizers were prepared as activities for use in recent time it has been only on a special week long event which is hosted by the during or after the lesson. request basis as April Whitt has been our pri Center. We plan to arrive Thursday, April 19, (They are reproduced one-half size on the mary 'Star Lady.' Incidentally, you may recall and on Friday we will, weather permitting, facing page; please contact me if you need that in 1996 I contacted you with the idea of hold a star gazing party. On Saturday I will full-size set.) The first was designed for 7 to 8 starting a personal STARLAB business in this present three lessons in Starlab. We look for year aIds, Grade 2, and the second for area. That did not work out. However, now I am ward to some interesting conversations and year aIds, Grades 5-9. Students aelDel1dinll doing exactly what I wanted to do then but plan to have a great time. their capability and learning , under the auspices of PARI. Fate sometimes Below are the lessons that will be present plete data collection in the plametariunn. takes very nice twists. ed in Starlab. Pictures and reactions from the planetarium is used as a time machine; Welcome Bob, to the ever expanding public will follow in my September column group of dedicated planetarians who are 20 Planetarian Teacher______ Put the pictures in order! Draw a line from the moon picture to the place where it belongs on the line below. Start with the New Moon. Gibbous Moon Crescent Moon Full Moon New Moon Quarter Moon 2 3 4 5 Name______ Teacher______ Moon Phase Cycle: Put the phases in order from left to right. Start with the New Moon phase. You may draw a picture or write the words. Consult the pictures below to help you fill in the boxes. New Moon First Quarter Waxing Gibbous Waning Crescent Full Moon last Quarter Waxing Crescent New Moon Waning Gibbous Date __ Date__ Date __ Date__ Date __ Extra Credit: Fill in an actual date for each box by observing the moon cycle in the sky at home, observing and recording the dates during the planetarium lab, consulting a calendar or exploring and D~D~D using the information found at the following websites: http://tycho.usno.navy.mil/vphase.htmland Date __ Date __ http://bogart.colorado.edu/rvlisle/astronomy/moonan.html 5T I netariulI1 • • • h bl Many of you, in planetariums worldwide, already know how easy it is to incorporate a STARLAB into your existing plan etarium programs. Because of its versatility, portability, ease of-use, and cost-effectiveness, the STARLAB is considered an invaluable and exciting multicultural tool for education. STARLAB can be used in conjunction with a fixed plan etarium for: • school outreach CD community outreach CD training programs • hands-on education «I multicultural education • public relations 41& workshops • teacher training • special events .. fundraising Visit our Website at L~e.II'B'IIIiiB'lllB Technologies, Inc., 40 Cameron Ave .. , SomerviUe, MA 02144 USA Phone 800-537-8703 or 617-628-1459. Fax 617-628-8606. Ill-mail [email protected] I y I I u • Many planetariums have already received their free logo slides. You can too! But you need to act now, before it's too late! We invite you to send us your logo. We will create for you a FR EE enhanced version of your logo and output it onto 35mm film with its matching DlCHvlATE SM mask. this · oduc We also provide: Custom Graphics (for shows, presentations, print, video & Web) • Slide Imaging (always pin-registered) Slide Duplication (optical or digital, large or small quantities) • Digital Retouching Scanning • Special Effects • Custom Design, Consulting & Training e 28 years of photography experience • Concentration on special effects • 24 years of multi-media shows &graphics • State -of -the -art digital equipment • 22 years of planetarium slide production • Innovative computer graphic skills e High quality slides &services at a fair price • 40+ national &international awards I. THE the show doctor SHOW 6135 dewey avenue L--_----' DOCTOR™ st.louis,mo 63116 Innovative Concepts in Multi-Media 314.353.3339 Check as given above for its availability. craft (albeit at tremendous m,agI1Hicaticm) If you have questiOns, Anita Sohus at JPL Want to add planet orbits, satellite (e-mail address Corporation, 2020 Harrison Street, San Fran ent areas of the maps and get '-'H<'UI',"-'--' The "Try, Try Again" mission to Mars is cisco, California 94110 USA, telephone +1- of the clicked areas; you can newly-launched and two weeks Marsward as 415-503-1600, which bears the imprimatur of usually through several '-H'~'t-.'-'.H I write. Let's hope the math is better this the Discovery Channel. A combination you reach the limit of the time, and the little spacecraft makes it into board-and-card game, two players get little Another link offers some art Martian orbit next October to tell us if plastic rockets to advance along separate tary landscapes. there's really water ice lurking beneath the paths from Earth to Mars. One advances by These sites are fun for recreational rusty surface. getting dealt cards which one optimally ing, but could also be useful for classroom In the meantime, do avail yourselves, if arranges into combinations of planet, moon, computer lab use or as a live link in a com- you haven't already, of some very useful and sun cards to maximize points (certain puter kiosk or in a which materials on the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission combinations equaling certain numbers of project web site screens onto the which make this quarter's first item up for points). More pOints moves one farther Check it out; find it rather addictive! scrutiny. along, and the first one to hit Mars (oops bad word to use in light of the late lamented Star Traks Mars Odyssey Stuff Polar Lander), or rather to reach Mars, wins. Music composer Robert Resetar The cards feature colorful images, but alas, The Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasa sent me the third CD in a series of four CD dena, California has some excellent pre list outdated numbers of moons for Jupiter, Star Traks, each of which feature about Saturn, and Uranus - these days, who can launch materials available which give a good minutes of his excellent music for use keep up? It's a cute little game, for ages eight overview of the mission of the latest piece of planetariums. The Traks are subtitled hardware being tossed in the direction of the and up, and our gift store got it wholesale for matic Music for the Planetarium," and Red Planet. a mere $3.50 U.S. a copy from University idle boast. Resetar's The 20-slide 2001 Mars Odyssey slide set Games. If you're looking for Mars items to (#JPL-51) includes assorted diagrams, photos, stock on the shelf, here's a possibility. and art pieces illustrating the mission and The Discovery Channel offers other dis the instrumentation, with useful brief covery-related games and puzzles as well; descriptions. It's first rate and a handy set to check out their web sites at 24 Planetarian Vol. cluding a number of U.S. localities, selected contact LlA at 13501 InO'pnl1H" other countries (Mexico, Spain, Italy, Britain, 128, Orlando, Florida 32826 USA New Zealand, Switzerland, Australia, etc.), 800-34LASER or +1-407-380-1553 ' The planispherically prolific Rob and the continents-as well as global satellite 380-5588, or check out' Walrecht, of Rob Walrecht Productions maps. Vol. No.2, June 2001 Planetarian JOIN THE GROWING FAMILY OF SPITZ DIGITAL THEATERS CUSTOMER-DRIVEN PRODUCT DEVELOPMEN T · lD ELECTRICSKY THEATERS · PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE TO HUNDREDS OF SITES ANNUALLY · THEATER DESIGN SERV ICES · BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STUDIES BRIS L NATItmAL SPAC E CENTRE . Le iCESTER. UK BIRMIN GLASGOW SCIENCE CENTRE. SCOlLAHO c A DRI PHIL DE THE FRA-NKLIN INSTITUTE , PHILADELPHIA. USA www.spilzinc.comP.O.BoxI98.ChaddsFord. PAI9317 USA 610.459.5200 Plus, the information needs to be organized to many planetariums is a short, in a logical fashion that will keep the audi minute script on a single topic that could be Forum ence's interest over the length of the pro used as a prequel, epilogue, or intro to a gram. It also needs to have information that gram. Write a short bit about Mars and covers the topiC from past to future. If you it at the beginning of your live sky talk Steve Tidey plan on writing a program about NASA's summer. You will be able to use Astronomy Educator Cassini spacecraft, for example, you might effects, music, slides and give audience want information about astronomers who bers a gee-whiz attention-getting '-'I-''-~'''HM Alexander Brest Planetarium observed Saturn in the past. Who discovered your talk. I also believe that all of us have 1025 Museum Circle the rings, the moons, etc.? time to write and produce a 10-15 minute bit You might also want to include informa on a topic. So go ahead and try it. You be Jacksonville, Florida 32207 tion about other spacecraft that visited surprised how easy it is. You might even Saturn. Information about the instruments able to string a few of your short bits Spring/ Autumn greetings. on Cassini would be nice. And some specula er, and get a full length show with no extra Before I get stuck into the meat of the tion about what will be learned when it work! Forum column, I want to take a moment to arrives would be hard to leave out. All of Patrick McQuillan, Director make an apology for a mistake I made in the these topics will probably require almost Alexander Brest Planetarium announcement of the relaunch of the IPS everyone to do some research. Even if that 1025 Museum Circle Eugenides scriptwriting competition in the research is only to look up a name or date, it Jacksonville, Florida, 32207 last issue of Planetarian. I incorrectly stated still takes time. Which is the second deter + + + that the last time we ran the competition rent to writing a new script. Who has time? Jim Manning won first prize. It was in fact With all the things that have to be accom I think it takes quite a bit of time to brain won by Margie Walter of the South African plished in a given period of time just to keep storm, research, write and re-write a Museum Planetarium in Cape Town, South the planetarium open and running, time is script, and many of us are the Lone Africa, with her script, "Davy Dragon & the extremely valuable. in our domes. We don't have that time. Planets". It was published in Planetarian, Vol. So how can someone be encouraged to For those of us without a production staff 29, No 3, September 2000. write more scripts? Well, it is my opinion (there's only one Ed Faughn and he's not at With the re-Iaunch of the scriptwriting that we are all currently writing scripts and Fernbank), writing a script may seem a futile competition again in mind (go on, enter a may not even realize it. We all do live cur effort if it's not going to be produced. script, I know you want to) it seemed appro rent night sky programs ("The Sky Tonight"). And many of us may feel we can't write priate to me to focus the current Forum And we must fill the 30 to 50 minutes with something as wonderful as we'd like. We topiC on what planetarians think about set some form of talking. And I'm guessing that compare ourselves to the "professionals," ting pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) to many of us do "Sky Tonight" programs on a quietly put down the pencil (or mouse) produce scripts that reflect our fascination regular recurring basis: daily or every sneak back into the theater. with things astronomical. Apart from any Saturday. And I'm guessing that we often What can be done? Collaborate! SEPA's thing else, the responses will be helpful in repeat the same information each day/week Erich Landstrom and Jon Bell collaborated formulating ideas for improving the with just a bit of information changed to on a Star Trek-type script. They wrote it scriptwriting contest, if we know what the reflect something new (meteor shower, full together, produced it together, and it's main constraints are for people who really Moon, ISS pass, etc). Well, if you haven't played in both their theaters, with great suc would like to produce scripts for their dome already guessed, your live lecture is a script! cess. Bob Bonadurer and Dave DeRemer of or for sale to others. Write down what you have been saying, GLPA have co-written two children's So the topiC for discussion is: record it on tape, and put some nice music tarium programs, used some GLPA funds to behind it. TA-DA! You have a script. You produce them, and made them available to Why do so few planetariaru try their hand at could now run this script everyday for your all GLP A members at cost. They've script writing, and what can be done to "Sky Tonight" program and never have to been awarded a NASA IDEAS grant to work change the current situation? speak again! (Well, almost). Part of the appeal with Dr. James Kaler on another program for of a live night sky program is the live part. middle schoolers and the general public. My boss, Patrick McQuillan, has some Audience members can interact with staff I think dividing and conquering the encouraging thoughts and a possible solu and ask questions, etc. But this can still be a research and writing might make the task tion to the problem, so step up to the plate, script. I'll come back to how in a minute. less daunting. Any takers? Patrick, you're on. Many of us also write articles for our April Whitt + + + museum's newsletter or the local newspaper. Fernbank Science Center Many of these articles are about a column to 156 Heaton Park Drive NE Perhaps the biggest deterrent to the writ a page long, and are generally on one topiC of Atlanta, Georgia 30307 ing of a new script is just that: you have to current interest. TA-DA! You have been writ write a script. There are very few topiCS, if ing scripts and not realizing it. Each of those + + + any, for which someone can sit down at a articles could be the beginning basis of a The main problem with script writing for computer and write a 30 minute script off script. Or even an entire mini script. me is time. I have a script in the works now. the top of his or her head. Think about it. We Especially if you choose your article's topic have worked on it for two years now. I have know lots of information about a wide vari carefully and with thought to perhaps using it ready for final draft. It has been that way ety of topiCS often discussed in planetariums it as a script. since before Thanksgi ving! (I just had to stop - but not well enough to put on paper 30 OK. So back to the live night sky show for a 3rd grade program.) There are so many minutes worth of interesting information. scripts. I believe what would be of great use scheduled and unscheduled things during a 28 Planetarian Vol. school year it makes it tough to get them ing in the form of slides and anima the benefit of financial com1:Jel1s3ltiC)n. done. I am also the auditorium manager, tions will be demanding as well. In this case, considered grants for show computer network policeman, department the reward of the work is not going to be the but grants on this scale don't chair and teach a college astronomy class. It completed script -it will be what I've learned the money to go toward pelrsonnel becomes difficult to find the block of time to along the way. sation. get a major project done. I think that a lot of Trivial scripts come easy with practice, So, what can we do to us can do a script for our situation. It is not but the meaningful ones are hard work. I tion? We can slow the rotation of the Earth easy to do one for others. I know what I need wouldn't pass along my trivial scripts, to add more time into our Or we could to teach via a script/program. I don't know because anybody could write one just as accelerate to near the of what someone else needs. approach may good or better on their own. When I wri te a time slows down. And if those be different or such others would not want a script I'm proud of, you'll see it in the GLF A script that works for me. I think these rea scri pt bank. sons are some that prevent some of us (me Eric Schreur included) from sailing in uncharted waters. Universe Theater and Planetarium Dan Goins Kalamazoo Public Museum/KVCC Martinsville High School Planetarium PO Box 4070, 230 N. Rose Street 1360 East Gray Street Kalamazoo, 49003 Martinsville, Indiana, 46151 own, we choose to UU1'--1"' Vol. 2001 Planetarian has the time to write if they are part of a one you only have them for 40 minutes perhaps research, solid narrative ideas and person staff. Third, to produce a show you (including getting them in and out of the thinking, by having their ideas need an internal support structure, techni theater) with no follow up work, then you into a professional script, than to expect cians, audio production, art etc. Many the would end up with a show that had too great planetarians to do all of the above atres do not have that large a staff. So the an information density and was probably selves. solution for many is to buy shows, which is pretty boring. A school group carr cope with Alex Barnett too bad. Most of the for sale shows have little up to half a dozen take home points, provid Planetari urn Director if any reference to the sky or current sky. ed the pre- and post-visit material is there. A National Space Science Centre From a sellers point of view this makes the public show should aim for a couple of take Leicester, LH,6AUU'-" show more marketable for a long period of home pOints, maximum. + + + time. But it also means you have many the In my opinion, a large number of planetar atres doing slide shows with no use of the ium programmes that I have seen contain far Editor's note: I received the con- sky. I try to integrate the sky into all of my too much-information, have too little tribution from Gene Zajac a day or two after scripts, current sky events, etc. This means a 'breathing space', and often make assump the deadline for the previous Forum so rewrite and new tape if I want to bring the tions about the level of existing knowledge it was too late to be included. But as is show back a few years later. But I believe the of the audience. This is a symptom of people filled with much food for thought, I decided basic reason people come to the planetarium who are accomplished educators trying to to include it at the bottom of this issue's col is to see the stars. write for an audience they weren't trained to umn. David A. Dundee deal with. As a reminder, the previous was: Planetarium Chairman In our theater, we start with rigorous Fernbank Science Center research and creative thinking to come up Is there a as entertainment Atlanta, Georgia with public show concepts. We debate these + + + concepts at length, bringing in members of the team who aren't involved in the Space To answer the first part of the question. Theatre, family and friends. Our developer --" ... -.-.- eroded? Script writing is a very specific skill, and then puts together a first draft script. This there are people that make a living writing script gets pulled apart, rewritten, moved professionally. To develop a skill you need Technology has had a definite around and generally dissected and reassem time, coaching and practice as well as some our planetarium lessons. I teach K bled by others in the team, until we get natural ability. through 12 with programs for public groups something that can be produced visually to Given the multitude of skills that plane as well. When I started my career in the the budget, and has a basic narrative and sto tarians typically have to master (from tech etarium field, I used two slide projectors, the ryline. We then employ a professional copy nical to management, to teaching, to produc Spitz A4 projector, and a few single slide pro editor to go through the script and make it tion) its not surprising that so few have the jectors. Not very high tech but the students sound like one person wrote it. We can get time that is needed to learn and develop the and teachers enjoyed their visits to the our copy editor to write the words as if 'x skills of a good scriptwriter. etarium and were eager to return. I informed famous person' was presenting it. Our copy Many planetarians can bang out a rough groups that Voyager II was editor does this for a living. He also checks script, and many have to do just that, but Neptune and we would soon have great the grammar, turns written English into spo few have the budget to produce lots of tures of the most distant Jovian, as well as ken English and makes sure that the show is shows, and thus get the practice that is need the most distant planet (Pluto was inside consistent with our house style and brand ed to hone their technique. Further, because Neptune's orbit). personality. many planetarians are small operations, it's After attending a Great Lakes Planetarium This process is the same as you would often preferable to bring in someone else's Association conference, I became aware of encounter in a professional production set show. video projectors and their impact on an audi up. Just as in the movies, or in TV, our script Another point to bear in mind is that ence. What great special effects to take the is not the work of one individual, it is the many planetarians are accomplished at classes into space! The cost was reasonable work of a team of internal and external folks working with one particular type of audi and the district approved the purchase of a who all do the bits that they are most skilled ence (usually the education market) and can video projector, laser disc, and S-VHS todo. provide some excellent schools programmes. ment. The response of the teachers and stu In contrast, the first drafts of school show But the skills that go into producing a pro dents was very good. They were eager to scripts are often exactly what is needed. gramme for schools are different to the skills return. They had the same response as before So to answer the second part of the ques required to write a script which is more pop the purchase, but thought the videos added a tion, what we don't want to do is to spread a ulist in nature, and thus suited to a general better view of the universe. The tec:nn01()g y myth that anyone can write a finished pub public offering. that makes a difference now is the availabili lic show script, and make people feel worried Some examples. A school programme on ty of information. programs are better if they can't! What we need to encourage is the Moon might have to cover eclipses, phas and different each year because of my access more planetarians to produce show concepts es and tides because this is what the school to that information. Vendors in the nl''''''''"I-:::I ... _ and rough storylines, and then provide needs to teach to their students. Typically ium community are producing wonderful resources in the form of contacts or a net the students will have been exposed to the images for my newest video work to help fhese planetarians find appro topics prior to their visit, and will get post Hubble images, satellite images and web priate professionals to turn their show con visit activities to reinforce the concepts and searches allow me to display an asteroid cepts into workable and produceable scripts. help get them over in the lessons following from just a few miles away or the river chan Perhaps it's time for the script writing con the visit. However, if you tried to put all nels on Mars. Slide subscription services pro tests to be more about rewarding planetar these topics into a public program where vide me with the latest pictures and new ians who have demonstrated good original 30 Planetarian Vol. laser discs allow me to take a group through effects can be in a plclilE'taJ'l1 had a of east or the Mir space station. DVD technology adds show. One can even get an UViJILLIUlllL'll could "walk" with Aristotle and r"r2lto:Sthenes even more images. List servers contribute the at the new south and be convinced that information and ideas, as well as keep me urn, in the Rose Center for Earth and round and appreciate how to measure posted on what is happening now in our Science at the American Museum of Natural cumference. And, programs astronomy information explosion. Add a in New York. these are used to connect few visible comets, a solar eclipse and the But few planetaria have budgets close to lum to an ".,rtc> .. c+·~.,,'inrr audience can't wait to ask questions and the budget of the new Planetarium. return for another trip to the cosmos. But even on a much smaller scale, the plane Technology has improved the type of tarium dome can still capture an audience's questions I get from my audiences. The imagination recreating the night and media may confuse some of the facts, but the events taking place in that Although in public does come in with an excitement. I many cases, all cases, the dome may sort out the misinformation under the dome. be shared with laser shows and other eye Science's Planetarium, or It helps that my information is more up to hon and answer in closer date. Audiences today appreciate the plane I believe a full answer would be a challeng engages the audience. This is a tarium's ability to show a starry night sky. ing topiC for a Master's Thesis, but here are a audiences Technology and urban sprawl has bright few thoughts. ened our skies. Noticing a "shooting star" is It's clear that the in preventing ero- an uncommon event in our area. Seeing the sion of the planetarium profession is to cre outside our solar system? magnificent tail of a comet shining brightly ate an enthusiasm about the and celestial mc:orporating some of the answers under the dome, but the real thing is often events in the general public, and once the show lost in our real dome outside. audience has assembled, keeping and even Access to technology has increased my peaking that enthusiasm. How to do this preparedness to present meaningful experi may not be as clear, but linking the shows to experience. ences in the planetarium. The audio and events that are in the news is one way to cre But also, if you can't beat 'em, join visual effects enhance the experience. But at ate an interest. Today space is in the news Since the laser shows seem to be the center of the experience is the star field, daily. The International Space Station; the the laser effects are r11,rron+l which creates the awe of the night time sky. shuttle service missions with launch sched the planetaritlm, I have never had an audience applaud a slide, ules available on the internet; the Mir's of these effects into the presentations? power point image or video clip while in the "retirement"; views of Mars; the possibility of Pleiades left their positions and dark. Many times students will applaud the liquid water on Mars; the "face" on Mars; pos ran to the west Aldebaran, who stars as I slowly move into dark with a final sible life forms in space; planets orbiting could that Aldebaran means click of a switch to view the sky at night. other stars; where are the Voyagers?, the in Arabic or where these stars are New technology is good, but the portable asteroid menace and what did Bruce Willis to one another? That may not be quite and permanent domes allow the experience do right/wrong when he landed on the aster correct, but I would guess to come alive. oid in the movie are all hooks devices linked with appropriate Gene Zajac that could bring in an audience and been into pianetarlU1TI Shaker Heights School Planetarium great lead-in programs. This, followed shows. 15911 Aldersyde Drive traditional view of the night itself, (with Shaker Heights Ohio, 44120 some perhaps some New music) would at least to me be much + + + entertaining than patterns on Editor's note: I made a mistake when the dome. ing and educational entertainment to compiling the last column, which led to the One aspect of the traditional plametaI'lU1TI audiences and about following contribution from Art Ketterer show that is and space, at least until being mistakenly left out through no fault of myths. I have asso puter screens become dome his. It's a particularly thoughtful piece, so I ciated with the constellations to be very each have a wanted to give everybody the chance to entertaining, as well as a Ketterer read it. ate constellations. In pn~senting p!ametar'lUlTI BAK Associates shows to grades K-12, \-JIJ'-'_IUl! + + + Having worked part-time in a high school grades, I've found that after planetarium (using a Goto Model E-S seen Clash of the Titans on TV and are famil Here is the for the next column: Viewlex planetarium system, vintage 1974) iar with Hercules or the Medusa, that I have with very little budget, my initial reaction is their full attention. I was certain that I had YES, there is a danger of eroding the profes their attention when I was asked if there is a sion! How does one compete with MTV, constellation for Xena. home computers with multi-media effects, In an educational setting such as a computer generated special effect movies, school, integrating the planetarium presenta and virtual reality simulations? tions with the curriculum is important in I'll be to receive any There is a danger of erosion, but it can be creating interest in the For one these lines you may have met. One can compete with the eye candy. can show how the or Columbus 18. /( Clearly with a large enough budget the same knew how far north or south they were, but Vol. 2001 Planetarium in the State of UUIUl.-'''~/UJ, gen- Leal Planetarium (Ramiro has in space medicine). The Planetarium has a very attractive architecture of its exterior, an excellent Goto instrument, a 15 meter dome, and is fully it one of Mexico's best. Host is Adriim A viles Arreola, director of the Planetarium. the dealt academe". 2002 Conference at the Centro de Conven ciones de Morelia in Morelia, Mexico. many will need to become mem bers in order to attend this conference. Another aspect considered for next is the of AMPACs 2002 +"",,,+1<"'00'" with the IPS Conference. other acti vities, the Museo ecrlologllCO (MUTEC) had an exhibition to skies are now be<:onllinli! commemorate the 40th anniversary of man even in where no in space from the 2 to 1] human-made light pollution is present (won E. Eno Planetarium offered a der if the SEPAs have any Astronomical Festival on 28 that?). So, the season for natural brate Children's which in Mexico is is over for this time, but the planetarium tomary to celebrate on 30 is acceptable solace. were treated with games, The International News column depends ing lectures on astronomy, contests, etc., in entirely on contributions from IPS Affiliate order to make their visit to the Associations all over the world. thanks a most memorable to Steve Balog, Bart Benjamin, Ignacio Castro, John Dickenson, Jon Elvert, Jean-Michel Faidit, John Hare, and Loris Ramponi for Centres your contributions. You are welcome back The CCSC held its annual with new reports, and I look forward to Ottawa, Ontario 3-4 For some time reports from other Associations as well. of the Science Center/Planetarium Upcoming deadlines are 1 for Plane community in Canada has been waning, tarian 3/01 and 1 October for 4/01. least as far as the federal government is cerned. Federal and support declined, and this has in many ~Vl.111J.lU1JJ been matched declines in support Among the latest news from France, the provincial and muniCipal governments. edition of Planetariums with its CCSC directors have a strategy usual and the number of pages address this ever published since the creation of this Canada-wide survey to determine magazine seven years ago. and scope of our facilities, resources, and On 18 April was the of at 36 grams, and to commonal ties planetariums of "La planete aux mille re- our member on~arlizations. gards," a new show APLF and were presented 3 and strategies for CNES (Centre National d'Etudes It ing our profile with government will also is the first show diffused a discussed, and imnlE'mlEn1:ation so large number of p12lTIetaI"iUlms. Also in Ottawa a group of CCSC members This year, the annual of French with an interest in space will be Speaking Planetariums Association is held in with Canadian astronaut Marc Garneau in at Milan and Brescia. CSA staff to discuss collaborative Canadian A number of initiatives are way at member facilities pubIlSh'~c1, some country, and it is that with Marc activities may have such Garneau's recent to Vice as AMPACs annual meeting. It took President of the CSA, there will be further from 16 to 19 at the Ciudad Victoria Vol. At the Robert T. Longway Planetarium Cosmodissee began its public activities in the nal, several of them are COlmrlUter-:ger1eratt:d will be closed beginning 18 June for the south of Italy, in the village of Salve near the plus Digistar and conventional 3Smm installation of a Digistar II. The reopening is city of Lecce. This S-meter diameter inflat The original music for the show was set for late September. able dome is managed by the association and performed Mark Snow and The Exhibit Museum Planetarium in Ann ASTRA, directed by Vito Lecci, address being released as a CD, which is sold C 34 Planetarian Vol. lished by ASP. At the July 2000 meeting of stopic.html>. They also have new middle Favour had been with Richardson 20 the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, over school curriculum materials and high school years. She is enjoying her retirement 150 astronomy instructors from around the teacher courses in their Hands-On Universe traveling the world with her country met for three days to discuss tech project; see Vol. 30, No.2, June 2001 Planetarian Shonandai Culture Center GSS-Helios The GSS-Helios (GSX) features 25,000 stars reI=lrociucing without stray stars through the without replacing the lecturer. The list of ,-",VHV<"" .."J your nearest rel)reSel1tativ'e find out what your could be The G 1014si offers GOTO's exclusive automatic mechanism. No more shows lost to With the of a at console. '-'.UCU"Hv. fast and efficient. That's a Planetari urn. 4-16 Yasaki-cho 1-<11("1'1" .• <:1'1, TEL: Intl No. +81-423-62-5312 FAX: IntI No. +81-423-61-9571 Email: inflo@l~otO.oJ.ip • When you order your videodisk you will I t see it was worth the wait, and perfectly There is so much happening in the world timed for this year's opposition of Mars. This of astronomy and spaceflight these videodisk will have a shelf life beyond the this morning as I finish these notes, the opposition of course, so don't delay getting Shuttle Endeavour docked with your copy. You can order directl y from International Space Station and carried it Shawn Laatsch. An order form was included Canada's giant robotic arm, surely one of the in the last issue of the Planetarian If you are marvels of the 21st century. Mars is an IPS member, and you probably are if you on its way. Cassini flew Jupiter last are reading this, then the price to you is $95. Christmas on its way to Saturn. Galileo con This is a very low price for a videodisk that tinues its marvelous journey around the typically costs $800 or more. Even so we jovian system. And the Near Earth Asteroid need to sell around 60 copies just for our Rendezvous mission actuall y landed treasurer to breath a sigh of relief, since that on the asteroid, Eros. I know that these last [email protected] number is our break-even point. If you are two events have generated a new pair of not a member, you pay the full cost of $135, slide sets from Armagh Planetarium in As I write this I have just viewed the edited but if you are thinking of that option, Northern Ireland. I encourage you to check version of the outstanding rocketcam video remember that for an additional $10 you can out these sets. of the Mars Odyssey Launch on April 7, 2001. be an IPS member also, and get the benefit of All the that is flowing our way It was such a clear day in Florida and the your very own copy of this journal. a challenge to our industry to be able to con Boeing Delta II rocket performed flawlessly. vert these amazing images to our domes as On the video the shadow of the exhaust 2002 Conference in Morelia, fast as possible. Well, it's a challenge, and plume is clearly seen on the ground, and Mexico each of us does our best to convey the within a few minutes the rocket is in space. dor of these new discoveries. Yes, its only a year away. Our next Inter Next on the video sequence are some of the Many of us, I would say the majority of us, national conference will be held in the won most amazing scenes ever shot in space from use the tried and tested techniques of slides derful and exotic location of Morelia, an unmanned rocket. The fairing that and video. I suspect that the of Mexico from July 14 to 18, 2002. We will be enclosed the Mars Odyssey spacecraft was planetarium theaters show the most recent hosted by Gabriel Munoz, Director of the jettisoned. It's clearly seen flying off. This is images via a slide while speaking to a group Planetarium in Morelia. Many of you will followed by a forward-looking view show of school students under our domes. What a remember the excellent conference in 1984 ing the spin up and launch of the spacecraft wonderful way to convey not the hosted by Gabriel. He is the consummate on its way to Mars - the first ever time this majesty of the night sky, but the thrill of pre host. I encourage you to begin planning for event has ever been filmed. sent day discovery. In my teaching I often what promises to be an excellent conference. share the ten or so press releases that In addition, Morelia is only 40 miles away weekly with my students, usually IPS Videodisk #2 from Tzintzuntzan on the shores of Patz astronomy mailing list I maintain. Most of So, can you get a copy of this amazing cuaro's lake. This historical site with five the students are professionals in full-time video? Yes you can. It's on the IPS Laserdisk pyramids represents the center of the uni jobs, and astronomy is part of their #2. I was about to send the master tape off verse for the Tarascan Indians. Many other for disk pressing when I saw the course. Do you know that over 80% of stu launch live on CNN. My jaw dents who finish the class keep their dropped open - the scenes were names on my mailing list. all of them never knew how rhrn'lYrl.r astounding. I had to hold the lPS2002 the subject of astronomy was. We are videodisk until I could get a copy of International Planetarium Society Biennial Conference the launch. July 14-18, 2002 trul y living in a golden age for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory Morelia, Mexico astronomy, and opening the minds had already supplied IPS with a Host Gabriel MWlOZ of our students and visitors is our wonderful compilation of video Contact [email protected] aim. material covering the Mars Path Tel: +52 4314-24-65 And just an aside here, did you finder and Global Surveyor mis Fax: +52 4314-84-80 know it was early in my career in the sions. These form the heart of the mid 1980s that many thought video IPS Laserdisk #2. As the master tape was purely a gimmick. How wonder fully that medium has transformed was being finalized I received a copy of the historical sites of astronomical significance many audiences views of what a planetari Mars Odyssey pre-launch video. This new lie within reach of Morelia. Gabriel has also um is into a broader context, thus appealing compilation from JPL offers a wonderful arranged a series of rich cultural events for to an even wider audience and more secure segue from the Pathfinder and Global the conference, and a trip to the center of the revenue streams for our institutions. Surveyor missions to this new and exciting universe is also promised. I hope to see you Yet video is now taking an even greater Mars mission. SpeCial thanks go to the good there. Contact Gabriel directly for further stride in our industry. It is the culmination offices of Anita Soh us and Christine Johnson information. Later this year more informa of a dream I and many others had in the at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, tion regarding this conference will be made early days of video when it began in the California, for getting the material to us and available via links on our web site at mid-1980s. Slides made the transition from allowing IPS to take advantage of this mate http://www.ips-planetarium.org, and Gabriel single images to all-skies many years ago. No rial and for us to distribute them economi is planning a feature for the September issue one knew how long it would take the indus- cally to our membership. of the Planetarian Vol. 30, No.2, June 2001 Plane tar ian try to the technology to enable A special event took place last March. An In the Planetarian a quality video images to cover the entire idea developed by Dr. Dale Smith and Profes de about the conference will be I-'UUHJU'LU, dome. Yet it has happened, and is spreading sor Samaranayaka of the Sri Lanka Plane and Dale Smith is the conference rapidly. tarium led to a special conference called Sri ceedings. A special note of thanks Many of the skills that are required by Lankan Skies & Sir Arthur -2001: A Space Dale Smith who, two years as st some planetariums are changing. All-dome - "Teaching the Universe in the 21 globe-trotting President, is still n.,"-,,-I-"'''I'o, video systems are developing rapidly, and at Century". This was by all accounts a memo the pace of travel to represent IPS this writing there are probably 20 systems rable conference, attended by delegates from functions, Sri Lanka and spread across the country. These facilities ten countries. All of us who have traveled this year. require computer graphiCS skills far beyond internationally will know the special bond And this brings me to a final IPS what could have been imagined just five that can be built on these conferences - they will have to face soon. IPS has eXl[)arldE~d years ago. re-energize the spirit in so many ways, and role significantly into Recen tl y USA's magazine by the accounts I have heard this conference the globe. We are a prcHessl,onal approached me to write an article about the was as special as any in recent years. The con high standing around the changes in the The editor I ference was held from March 18-24, 200l. al fact we have very meager resources. with knew about the at Hayden Two were spent with paper sessions - many associations us Planetarium and the new Rose Center for followed by four days touring the culture recent years, and a number of inter- Earth and Science in New York. He and landscape of Sri Lanka. national events IPS attendance, wondered if other changes were happening I, like many of you to be sure, were proba we have grown to a point that we else. After relaying the advent of bly locked in your planetarium domes open face just how this society supports its video at Armagh Planetarium by Terence ing new shows for your spring or fall (south national commitments and operations. Dale Murtagh (a past-President of IPS), the devel ern hemisphere) season - that is where I was, Smith, during his traveled exten opment of interactive systems, and explain though my mind often wandered to the sively to many countries, largely at his own ing that indeed, New York was not the only magical lands of Sri Lanka. On your behalf as expense. IPS owes him a huge debt for elevat facility in the world to be installing all-dome President I sent the following letter via email ing the status of IPS to this level, yet the video systems, at least two of which were to the conference host to the delegates, ety itself does not have the financial h",~vinrr fully interactive realtime systems, he was all though due to time differences the letter to support this endeavor in an way. set to run a feature article on planetariums, a arrived while the group wewasre traveling I would not be doing a good job if the soci- first for Astronomy magazine. and so could not be read at the actual confer ety is left in a position of or By the time you read this column the arti ence sessions, so I include it here for every ing that the executive committee of IPS has cle in Astronomy magazine should be appear- one to read. the personal finances to support such ing on your since I hear that it is activities at his or her expense. A future planned for the 2001 issue. It is a Dear Delegates ident may not have the personal resources to somewhat story since I have been a I am to wish you all an excellent con- do that kind of traveling. IPS does not small but avid in some of the develop- ference with your wonderful host, Sam, in Sri the staffing similar to other ments, so hopefully you will the per Lanka. The special landscape of Sri Lanka is a eties. In business, a company grows sonal anecdotes. Nor is the story meant to unique place and perfect for discussing reaches a certain size and then has to convey the of the planetarium "Teaching the Universe in the 21 st hard decisions whether to further. experience, but one new facet of our indus and to share some of our thoughts txpaJl1S10n results in ,HAHU''- 38 Planetarian Vol. (lane's, continued forward from page 40) The water drain problem occurs because some people claim lookit1<,3 that as the Coriolis effect on earth produces counterclockwise (ccw) air movement above the equator and clockwise (cw) air r movement below the equator, this same effect makes draining water in a bathtub empty, swirling in a ccw direction if the bathtub is above the equator, cw if the bathtub is below the equator, and the direction of swirling will reverse if you should cross the equator (as in a ship's bathtub). It was not surprising, then, to find planetarians Anthony Fairall, of the South African Museum in Capetown, Clare Williams, of the Canberra Planetarium and Observatory in Australia, and David Weinrich of Moorhead State University in Minnesota, USA, engaged in such a controversy. They all said, that from their experiences traveling above and below the equator, that the water in a tub doesn't seem to drain in any prescribed manner. They decided that perhaps the problem is that the tub-of-water method pre dates other methods of latitude determination! ~~: very at - In Richmond Hastings, to overcome of the Mathematics and Science Center in makes two-way communication Richmond, was scheduled to give a talk on comfortable 1. "Weightlessness" at a middle school. In order When asked his to spice up the presentation, he wore a blue the greatest astronomical fact NASA flight suit, complete with badges. He century, he did not hesitate to arrived early and was standing in the room out about age and where the presentation was to be made, as Universe." students and teachers cleared it out from a - Dr. P. previous activity. From across the room, a Tamilnadu Science and Technical student was eyeing him suspiciously. She Chennai, India, uses a WI<'!S(,O{Jf kept turning her head one way, then ano~h tarium. The life of a planetarian is a really good er, and finally, when he noticed her, she saId, view the real stars and one. I hope you are, have been, or get to be boldly, "What is that?" the same one. I'm retiring from the planetarium job I George: "It's a Hight suit similar to one that Whitt, now have in my school system, so I think an astronauts wear sometimes." active planetarian should continue chroni Girl: "Fashion emergency!" cling all the odd, funny, annoying things George: "What does that mean?" which happen to one or all of us. And I love a Girl: "You'd never see me wearing that!" good story. . - More from Hastings: /I Here's how Here's a good story. Retired planetanan you know been in the . Undine Concannon, hostess for the 1998 IPS business awhile. While setting up Starlab In a meeting in London, England, tells how she school gym one day, some teachers walked first got a job at the London Planetarium. . voice!" past. One of them said, 'Oh, wow, the~e's the Undine was looking for a job change In Starlab. I remember going to a lesson In that 1974. She checked the personal ads in the thing when I was III. sc.hool" London Times. She saw that John Ebdon at Then he spotted George and said, the London Planetarium needed a personal there's the dude that did it!'" assistant. Undine rang the planetarium and - in Sri Lanka. Thirty-nine made an appointment for an interview. She from eleven countries were delegates to the was very nervous about it; what was she sup "Sri Lankan Skies and Sir Arthur, 2001: A posed to know about astronomy? It r~ally Space Odyssey" conference announced at wasn't her area of expertise; she had majored the IPS Conference in Montreal in the sum in ancient history and the classics at the mer of 2000. The conference was held in Sri urn a comes up to University of Dublin. Lanka from March 19-24, 2001. The "Sir Ar says: 'What is the moon?' The next Undine arrived at the appointed time and thur" part of the conference was Sir Arthur comes from young student: was shown in to the potential employer. He C. Clarke, world-renowned author who lives gravity of Mars?1II sat on one side of a desk, she on the other. in Sri Lanka. He was the for John and Linda Hare, She was first asked about her background. the conference. When he discovered her classics background, Bradenton, Florida, USA, have a warmng Thoughts from Sir Arthur: "We're on t~e travelers in countries. he began to bring up ideas about Homer, the verge of discovering new energy sources; for you are just country Iliad, etc. "Odd," Undine thought. "He hasn't example: cold fusion. However, we must be the way somewhere else, find out if asked me about astronomy yet". cautious; after all, we don't know how many rOrll11,.t:>rl to do the land at air- They spoke of the classics and ancient lan supernovae are industrial accidents!" port, to travel to another guages cultures for awhile, then she was Sir Arthur is credited with within the country to travel from that sec asked, '''Would you like a glass of sherry" many years ago, how satellites could be ond city to your destination. This intermedi "Yes," she answered while thinking, "what is placed successfully in earth orbit. When ate country did require a visa for that series going on here? Is he getting a little too asked about the success of "his" idea, he re of didn't have one! Some friendly?" marked: "[I guess it's a mark of success that resulted and some inter- They sipped the sherry, and continued t~ satellites exhibitl the transparency of every talk about ancient things. Then he rose, as If body knowing what else is Sri Lanka conference to end the interview. "Oh well," she thought, doing!" on the way home! "I guess I'm not what he's looking for." She He answered a few question after his talk. rose too, as if to go. - If Southern l-lornl~nI1t:>T'p U''-H__ i-'~L~u attend In light of his success at the predicted us~ of a conference, a certain He said, "Do you think you could find the satellites, he was asked, "Is there anythIng . k 7" sion is to come up sometime Big Dipper in the planetanum s y. that surprised you in the last century, that the conference: the "water drain" "Yes," she said. you never thought of?" . . This question is in the same catego- "Would you like to have a job here? A. "What I didn't see was the fIber optIc ry as the end You've got it if you want it." revolution. I wasn't prepared for the [mar nox." Undine: "Yes. What are my hours?" riage] of satellites and fiber optics [to pro New boss: "Most people arrive by 10:00" duce] information transfer [nearly at the (Please see Jane's speed of lightJ." Then he added, "Congress is 40 Planetarian Vol. Just like a A planetanum grown-up on the road