See recently released images from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) at the Ingram Planetarium on Wednesday, August 31 at 4:00 and 5:00 pm. The JWST is the largest and most sophisticated space telescope ever conceived, placed approximately 1 million miles from Earth. High-Definition images will be projected onto the 40-foot 360-degree dome theater. The program will also include an in-depth exploration of the content of these photos and the telescope itself.
JWST is the largest and most complex space science telescope ever built. This international mission, led by NASA in partnership with the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency, launched Dec. 25, 2021. The observatory is designed to see the universe in the infrared. The telescope peers into dusty stellar nurseries to explore distant worlds orbiting other stars, as well as observing objects in our own solar system. JWST is studying light from distant parts of the universe for the very first time – the first galaxies that formed over 13.5 billion years ago – and this will give us insight into how our universe formed.
Alan G. Brown, PhD, will lead the presentation. Originally from Canada, Brown received his doctorate in Solid State Physics from the University of Toronto. Brown has been a U.S. citizen since 1998 and volunteering at Ingram Planetarium since 2008. No stranger to volunteer service, he served on the national board of the Modernization Forum and even started his own nonprofit to support research commercialization in the area of nanotechnology. Now semi-retired and living in Southport, Brown is active in the community by serving on the STEM Council of Brunswick County, tutoring at Brunswick Community College, and performing Dome shows and special programs at Ingram Planetarium.
Magic Globe is an engaging story designed to interest and challenge young children. While on vacation at her grandpa’s house, Mia accidentally discovers a mysterious piece of astronomical machinery with secret powers that can change the world’s seasons. Mia’s eccentric uncle tries to trick Mia into using the tool’s secret powers but she quickly realizes the consequences of their actions. The movie is followed by a live star show.
Take a look at the amazing world of sharks and what makes them unique to other fish. Learn about these powerful predators’ anatomy and bust myths and misconceptions about sharks. Ever wonder if sharks sleep? Are they really people eaters? How many teeth do they have? We’ll delve into these questions and more in this interactive program. Then we’ll discuss some “shark smarts” that will keep you and others safe while you have fun in the sun. Finish with some fun shark art and make a shark craft to take home.
Our Education Coordinator, Jamie Justice will present this fun, interactive program. Jamie received her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from Bowling Green State University and her Master of Science in Environmental Science with concentrations in Marine and Coastal Education and Coastal Management from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.
Narrated by actor Liam Neeson, this show explores the inner workings of Earth’s climate system. With visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations, this cutting-edge production follows a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere. Audiences will ride along on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales, and fly into roiling volcanoes. This movie is followed by a star show.
Our newest exhibit uses a virtual reality mobile classroom to bring you an exciting experience: flying inside Hurricane Maria. Strap on a pair of virtual reality headsets and become immersed in this unique environment.
The Science in 3D program will feature Hurricane Maria on Tuesday and Thursday at 1:00 pm through Labor Day.
For four and a half billion years, the Sun has shone on our world. It is our nearest star and our planet’s powerhouse, the source of the energy that drives our winds, our weather and all life. The Sun consumes 600 million tons of hydrogen each second and is 500 times as massive as all the planets combined. This film explores the secrets of the Sun. The film is followed by a live star show.
For thousands of years the humans observed the light coming from the night sky with their eyes. In the beginning of the 17th century, the invention of the telescope by Galileo revolutionized our knowledge of the Universe. Finally, in the 20th century with the advent of rockets, it became possible to go above the earth’s atmosphere and observe X-ray and gamma ray radiation which are the marks of the hot and violent Universe. But it is not only light that can give us information about the cosmos. Neutrinos and cosmic rays also provide vital information. Finally, the detection by the LIGO experiment of gravitational waves from two merging black holes opened a new window in astrophysics. This video presents images of the cosmos as revealed by all these different messengers.
Learn about the diversity of life in the Green Swamp in this CSI program. Solve the mystery of a mysterious animal sighting by uncovering clues about animal tracks, habitat, and more!
Our Education Coordinator, Jamie Justice will present this fun, interactive program. Jamie received her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from Bowling Green State University and her Master of Science in Environmental Science with concentrations in Marine and Coastal Education and Coastal Management from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.
Join this sensory experience unlike any other as live lighting and laser effects accompany classic hits heard through the area’s best sound system.
Do you know how many species of venomous snakes call NC home? Can you tell the difference between a venomous snake and a harmless snake? Matthew Bookout can tell you anything you ever wanted to know about NC’s snakes and other reptiles. He will bring along some of his favorite live animals. His program is sometimes preceded by a live snake feeding. Call the museum for weekly information.