Public Shows

• A Star to Steer By
• Myths in the Night!
• The Star of Bethlehem
• The Fire of Creation: The Maya
• The 13th Sign: Facts vs. Myths of Astrology
• Earth's Neighborhood...Cruising the Solar Systems
• AstroQuest: Where's the Science?
• Port of Call: Mars!
• Into the West: Astronomical Origins of Halloween
• Central Florida Nights!
• Cretaceous Countdown: Investigating the Death of the Dinosaurs
• Minds in Motion: Discovering the Physical World with Newton and Galileo
• Who's Who: Women in Astronomy

Myths in the Night!

This series of shows relates myths, legends and interesting facts from cultures located around the globe to two or three constellations in the current night's sky. Visitors will learn how to locate and identify each constellation as well. Since each episode is composed of particular constellations, the time of year that each episode may be seen is also restricted, as noted. The particular episode presented on any given night will be chosen at random from the episodes available that night. These are live presentations, so the content of each myth may be edited for age appropriateness (SCC Planetarium Production).

Episode 1: Orion, Canis Major and Canis Minor (Jan.-April) — Episode 1 looks at the constellations of Orion (the Hunter), Canis Major (the Big Dog) and Canis Minor (the Little Dog).

Episode 2: Ursa Major and Ursa Minor (Feb.-Sept.) — Episode 2 looks at the constellations of Ursa Major (Big Bear) and Ursa Minor (Little Bear).

Episode 3: Gemini, Cancer and Leo (Feb.-May) — Episode 3 looks at the constellations of Gemini (the Twins), Cancer (the Crab) and Leo (the Lion).

Episode 4: Bootes, Virgo and The Milky Way (April-July) — Episode 4 looks at the constellations of Bootes (the Herdsman), Virgo (the Virgin or Virtuous Matron) and the Milky Way (our galaxy).

Episode 5: Hercules and Corona Borealis (May-Oct.) — Episode 5 looks at the constellations of Hercules (the Hero) and Corona Borealis (the Northern Crown).

Episode 6: Lyra, Cygnus and Aquila (July-Nov.) — Episode 6 looks at the constellations of Lyra (the Harp,) Cygnus (the Swan) and Aquila (the Eagle.)

Episode 7: Cepheus, Cassiopeia and Andromeda (Sept.-Feb.) — Episode 7 looks at the constellations of Cepheus (the King), Cassiopeia (the Queen) and Andromeda (the Chained Princess).

Episode 8: The Greek Story of Andromeda and Perseus (Oct.-Dec.) — Episode 8 is a little different from the others in that it looks at six constellations that together tell the single Greek story of Andromeda and Perseus. Episode 8 looks at the constellations of Andromeda (the Chained Princess), Perseus (the Prince), Cassiopeia (the Queen), Cepheus (the King), Pegasus (the Winged Horse) and Cetus (the Sea Monster).

Episode 9: Taurus (Late Oct.-March) — Episode 9 is also a little different in that it looks at only one constellation, Taurus (the Bull). But it also looks at two star clusters within Taurus, the Hyades and the Pleiades (the Seven Sisters). The Pleiades are the source of our Halloween traditions.

The Star of Bethlehem

(Nov.-Dec. Only)
This SCC Planetarium Production of an old favorite of planetariums everywhere and has received rave reviews from secular and religious audiences alike over the years. The Star of Bethlehem looks at how our calendar system has changed over the millennia and examines clues from the Bible to try to pinpoint the birth year of Jesus under our current calendar. It then explores what was going on in the sky at that time. The origins of the Magi are then looked at to determine what celestial phenomena they would have most likely interpreted to be the Star. Examinations of comets, meteors, novae, retrograde motion and conjunctions follow as each celestial possibility is considered. Possibilities are narrowed down to the most likely explanation of this most famous star in history before leaving it up to the audience to decide for themselves whether to choose one of these celestial phenomena or to accept the Star as a totally Divine apparition. (SCC Planetarium Production)

A Star to Steer By: Astronomical Concepts of Celestial Navigation

This show takes a look at the historical development of celestial navigation and the effect it had upon world exploration. It then goes on to provide a basic understanding of the astronomical and mathematical concepts of celestial navigation, as well as explaining terrestrial- and celestial-based coordinate systems. (SCC Planetarium Production)

The Fire of Creation: The Maya

This brand-new digital presentation explores the many facets of one of the Western Hemisphere's most misunderstood and intellectually advanced cultures, the Mayans. This presentation emphasizes the importance of astronomy in the everyday lives of the Mayan people, whether in the realm of religion, agriculture or war. From a general understanding of the creation stories found in the Mayan Popol Vuh, as well as a discussion of the many ruins of Mexico and Central America, the true story of the Mayan people can emerge, from the "Fires of Creation."

The 13th Sign: Facts vs. Myths of Astrology

This show looks at the claim that Astrology is a science like Astronomy. It examines the origins of both astronomy and astrology and how they diverged during the Dark Ages until astrology is no longer related to the real sky above us. Astronomical topics covered include the Ptolemic System vs. the Heliocentric System, precession of the equinoxes, synodic and sidereal lunar cycles, the ecliptic, as well as the 13 unevenly spaced zodiac constellations of the real sky. (SCC Planetarium Production)

Earth's Neighborhood...Cruising the Solar Systems

This show is a guided tour of the Sun, planets and moons of the solar system. Emphasis on the vast scale of the solar system is achieved through the use of "travel times" between the planets. (SCC Planetarium Production)

AstroQuest: Where's the Science?

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between "real science" and "pseudo-science?" How does science really work? Have you wondered if we really landed men on the Moon? Are UFOs real? Did aliens create the "Face on Mars?" Is there even really a "Face on Mars?" What about these "planetary alignments" that are predicted to cause devastation on Earth? Come learn the real science behind these popular claims and others. "Where's the Science?" is the first episode in our new AstroQuest trilogy. Watch for Episode 2: Sci-Fi Science and Episode 3: Pro-Am Science coming in the next year. (SCC Planetarium Production)

Port of Call: Mars!

Welcome aboard the U.S.S. Star Dancer of Virgo Galactic Interplanetary Cruise Lines. Our port of call for this voyage will be the "Red Planet"...Mars. Join us for excursions to Olympus Mons (the highest mountain in the solar system), Valles Marinis (a 2000-mile-long canyon) and the Cydonia Region of superstitious lore. We will also keep you up to date with the latest findings about the most Earth-like planet in the solar system. (An original SCC Planetarium Production)

Into the West: Astronomical Origins of Halloween

This show explains where the many various traditions of Halloween come from. It examines the Britons, an ancient people that lived in Great Britain over 5,000 years ago, as well as the Celtic people. Topics will include the origins of the phrase "trick-or-treat;" why we carve pumpkins; and why ghosts haunt the land. Finally, the audience will discover that a small star cluster in the sky, the Pleiades, is the culprit behind the creation of one of our most famous holidays. (SCC Planetarium Production)

Central Florida Nights!

Central Florida Nights is a guided tour of the current night sky. The show is updated every two weeks to match the slow parade of constellations as the Earth revolves around the Sun. In each show, the skills to locate nine or 10 constellations will be taught. Visitors will also be taught how to identify and locate the visible planets, any upcoming meteor showers, comets, etc. Interesting objects within each constellation that can be seen with binoculars or small telescopes will also be identified. After seeing this show, visitors will be able to go outside that same evening and locate many of these constellations and planets for themselves. (SCC Planetarium Production)

Cretaceous Countdown: Investigating the Death of the Dinosaurs

The show aims to discuss the numerous theories surrounding the extinction of the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous Period, 65 million years ago. Theories include the Cosmic Impact Theory, where a large asteroid or comet hit the Earth; the Deccan Traps Theory, where immense volcanic activity in what is now modern-day India spiked global temperatures and atmospheric compositions; and several other less-well-known theories. The show will also discuss the possibility that dinosaurs did not go extinct but simply evolved into modern-day birds. Show goers will be presented with all information to allow themselves to make their own decision as to why the dinosaurs went extinct or if they did at all.

Minds in Motion: Discovering the Physical World with Newton and Galileo

Join famous scientists Galileo Galilei and Sir Isaac Newton as they journey through time to help guests discover what causes things to fall down; what causes objects to move; and how light and telescopes work. This is an interactive theatrical program and is appropriate for everyone ages five and up.

Who's Who: Women in Astronomy

Did you know that studying the spectra and luminosity, as well as the cataloging of stars all originated from female astronomers? Who says astronomy is just for men? Join the SCC Planetarium as guests discover these brilliant astronomers and their contributions. Featured astronomers include Caroline Hershel, Dorrit Hoffleit, Antonia Maury, Henrietta Swan Leavitt and others.

Did you know?

Dr. Nadine Barlow, the First Director of the UCF Robinson Observatory, considers the SCC Planetarium as the best planetarium in Central Florida.