VSU Planetarium Presents “Dawn of the Space Age” Feb. 21

"Dawn of the Space Age" is a full dome film by Mirage 3D Productions. Synopsis: From the launch of the first artificial satellite Sputnik to the magnificent lunar landings and privately operated space flights, be immersed and overwhelmed with this most accurate historic reconstruction of man’s first steps into space. Who were these men and women that took part in these death defying endeavours? Witness their drive, their passion, and their perseverance to explore.

VALDOSTA — The Valdosta State University Planetarium presents “Dawn of the Space Age” at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21.

Seating for each presentation is limited to 47 guests. Free admission ticket distribution begins as early as 5:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis at the VSU Planetarium.

“Three years ago, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Apollo 17, the last manned mission to the moon,” shared Dr. Martha Leake, professor of astronomy and physics at VSU. “The space race began on Oct. 4, 1957, when the Soviet Union astounded the world by placing into orbit the first man-made moon. Sputnik 1 was little bigger than a basketball and lasted just three months, but its impact on history was tremendous — in the race for space the Russians had won the first heat! And they would win the next few, launching the first probe to the moon’s far side and sending the first cosmonauts into space. The ensuing decades would see the United States eventually win the race to the moon, and then a period of peaceful cooperation between the two superpowers. Today, there are multiple countries and agencies journeying to the moon and beyond.”

The VSU Planetarium’s “Dawn of the Space Age” program will begin with a look at the February sky, including planets, stars, and deep-sky objects. Then it will trace the history of manned spaceflight with a full-dome video courtesy of Mirage 3D Productions.

If weather conditions permit, guests will have an opportunity to visit the VSU Observatory between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. and view the night sky through telescopes.

Located on the third floor of Nevins Hall, the VSU Planetarium features a Digitarium Kappa digital projector, which can reproduce the night sky as seen from anywhere on Earth or from the surface of any object in the solar system, at any time in history, past or future.

Limited parking is available in front of Nevins Hall and across Patterson Street.

Planetarium public outreach shows are appropriate for children and adults ages 5 and up.

Contact VSU’s Department of Applied Mathematics and Physics at (229) 333-5778 for more information.