Starting Saturday, Oct. 1, there will be a new show in the lineup at the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Chaffee Planetarium. From Earth to the Universe will allow visitors to revel in the splendor of the various worlds within the solar system.
Leaving Earth, viewers of this new show will travel to the colorful birthplaces and burial grounds of stars found beyond the Milky Way and learn about the history of astronomy, the invention of the telescope and today’s giant telescopes that allow us to continue to probe deeper into the universe. Directed by the young Greek filmmaker Theofanis N. Matsopoulos, and featuring a soundtrack from Norwegian composer Johan B. Monell, viewers will explore the majesty of the solar system and the ferocity of the scorching sun.
For a schedule of show times, please visit grpm.org/planetarium. Tickets for planetarium shows are $4 with general admission, or $5 for planetarium only. Planetarium shows are free to GRPM members.
The Planetarium is named for Grand Rapids native, Roger B. Chaffee, who died with fellow Apollo 1 astronauts Gus Grissom and Ed White during a pre-launch test in 1967. The Planetarium was originally opened in 1994 and underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation fall 2013 to spring 2014. The Chaffee Planetarium features the latest Digistar projection technology and immersive surround sound for an unbelievably rich and realistic experience. The renovation was made possible through the generosity of the Museum’s donors, including the lead gift from The Wege Foundation.
