The Captain Alan Bean Hyposhpherium

Come experience the grandeur of the universe in Talcott Mountain Science Center's Captain Alan Bean Hypospherium Planetarium and Multimedia Theater, Connecticut's largest and only tilted dome planetarium. Journey back 15 billion years to a time when matter and space do not even exist, to witness the formation of the Universe, or into the future to see what could be. Panoramic vistas from other worlds, and astounding special effects in this tilted-dome theater, will fascinate your students while they learn! Presentations may be tailored to fit your needs.

Programs in the Captain Alan L. Bean Hypospherium run approximately 60 minutes. The Hypospherium can accomodate several classes with students and adults. Pre- and Post classroom visits and curriculum materials are available for groups attending programs in the Hypospherium. Admission is $3.00 per student with a minimum total of $150.00. Call now for advanced scheduling at 677-8571. Transportation must be provided by bus or van only. Please do not drive private vehicles to the Science Center.

In July 1994, we became aware of the threat posed by cosmic interlopers when comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 explosively smashed into the planet Jupiter. The question on everyone's mind was clear: Could something like this ever happen to the Earth? Unequivocably the answer is yes. In fact, it is believed that such an impact occured 65 million years ago, resulting in the death of the dinosaurs. Learn about the many global threats to life on the Earth, from the danger of giant asteroids striking our fragile planet, to the effect of chlorofluorocarbons on our atmosphere, to the prospects of a nuclear "winterÓ. Look through alien eyes to consider each risk and how together we can work to save our world.

Our galaxy, The Milky Way, is but one galaxy amongst a glittering flurry of other galaxies located throughout the vast immensity of the Cosmos. Galaxies is a nature-walk on the grandest of scales. Beginning with the Earth's night sky, we see our galaxy from within, then travel out to Alpha Centauri, the Pleiades star cluster, and the globular star cluster M3.

Our journey of imagination and discovery continues through intergalactic space past the Great Galaxy in Andromeda, the glittering star fields of the Virgo Supercluster, and the lonely dwarf galaxies that sail the dark waters of intergalactic space. Come with us as we leave our tiny world to navigate the seas of a vast cosmic ocean.

What sparks the torch of exploration? Is it the dream of distant shores, wealth, or power? Exploration is motivated by all of these factors, but often it is for the pure joy of scientific discovery. The Endless Horizon traces exploration through the ages, as humankind has ventured over land and sea in search of the unknown. Now we stand upon the shores of a vast cosmic ocean, our sailing ships are rockets and space probes gathering information, helping to give us a better understanding of our Universe. Learn of the past and present efforts of the greatest explorers the human race has known, in this program narrated by Patrick Stewart.

Why is the Earth small, rocky and wet, while Jupiter is made entirely of gases? Why is the planet second in distance from the Sun the hottest? What inner planet is so cold that its atmosphere has frozen and dropped from the sky? Learn the answers to many questions about our solar system, as you journey among the family of the Sun.

View the stars and planets through the eyes of the ancients. Hear the timeless myths and meet their mighty heroes. Trace out the constellations on the vault of the heavens. This interdisciplinary program brings a classical approach to science, as the creative imagination of our ancestors is blended with their view of the Universe.

From rainbows to distant stars and galaxies, light floods our Universe. Ranging from radio waves to gamma rays, at 186,000 miles per second, light is the fastest thing there is. But, what is light? Let bumbling Professor Photon unravel this mystery for you as he explores the properties of the electromagnetic spectrum in this light-hearted and informative program.

Observe our planet as you have never seen it. The Earth is revealed from its primordial origins, 4.5 billion years ago, to the current state of our environment. This exciting multimedia program for young audiences illustrates the numerous interactions of Earth, air and water and the impact of man as it relates to life on our home planet.

Using today's most powerful telescopes astronomers study the turbulent atmospheres of planets and their exotic moons; watch as stars are born and die violent deaths as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes; follow the paths of the galaxies through our expanding universe. In First Light we trace the history of the telescope and explore the amazing universe that the telescope has unveiled. Discover why today's space-based telescopes, in particular the newly repaired Hubble Space Telescope, continue to open new vistas in our quest for distant starlight.

Footsteps tells the story of two worlds, the Earth and the Moon, and of man's fascination through the ages with our nearest neighbor. Journey 4.5 billion years into the past to witness the formation of the Earth, and its smaller pockmarked companion, from an immense cloud of gas and dust. Explore many of the myths from around the world that have sought to explain the Moon and its ever changing appearance in our sky. Finally, witness science fiction become reality as mankind journeys to the moon to take its first footsteps on this distant world.

Are we alone, or is the Universe teaming with life? Join us to explore the possibilities. In Life Beyond Earth we probe the far reaches of our galaxy, where other worlds may exist; investigate the chances for life on those distant worlds; and search with us for extraterrestrial intelligence. Woven throughout the program is a science fiction tale of what contact with an alien civilization might be like.

We may dream of flight among the stars, but a trip to the nearest star will require the mastery of technologies that we can barely imagine today. Destination Universe takes you on a journey of the imagination from America's Space Station Freedom, to planetary engineering projects ten thousand years hence. Beneath the Hypospherium's star-filled dome you will experience the panoramic vista of a Moon base, probe the surfaces of Venus and Mars, delve into the noxious clouds of Jupiter, float within a vast space colony, and discover the staggering immensity of the Cosmos.