When the original Morrison Planetarium opened on November 8, 1952, it made history as the first planetarium in the United States to feature a star projector that was designed and built domestically. At that time, planetariums were so novel that some early audience members would call the box office to ask if the evening’s show would be cancelled due to fog. They soon learned that the weather was always good for star-gazing inside the planetarium. Fifty-six years later, on September 27, 2008, a new Morrison Planetarium opened as part of the completely rebuilt Academy, once again making history—this time as the world’s largest all-digital planetarium.

Next week, from November 5-9, 2012 Morrison Planetarium will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a week of special programs including a “quadruple feature” of the planetarium’s all-digital, fulldome shows; a display of rarely seen artwork and photographs from the Morrison’s history; special screenings of vintage Science in Action episodes; and two evening programs for adults. Morrison Planetarium’s 60th anniversary celebration is generously sponsored by Morrison & Foerster.

Here’s how to join the fun:

PLANETARIUM SHOW “QUADRUPLE FEATURE”
November 5-9, 2012 from 11:30 am – 4:30 pm
For the first time since its reopening, Morrison Planetarium will play all four shows in its repertory throughout the day. Free with Academy admission. Seating is limited; pick up your show passes at the planetarium entrance.

• Earthquake: Evidence of a Restless Planet (2012)
  Narrated by Benjamin Bratt
  11:30 am, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm
  Witness the processes that shape our landscape in Morrison Planetarium’s newest show. Fly along the San Andreas Fault before diving into the planet’s interior, travel back in time to witness the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and the break-up of Pangaea 200 million years ago, and get up to speed on the latest tremors.
• Fragile Planet (2008)
  Narrated by Sigourney Weaver
  12:30 pm
  Leave planet Earth behind as you fly to the farthest reaches of the Universe and back in this 30-minute show. Begin your voyage at the Academy, lift off through the atmosphere to gain an astronaut’s view of Earth, then travel to the Moon, Mars, and beyond to search for habitats that might support life.

• Life: A Cosmic Story (2010)
  Narrated by Jodie Foster
  1:30 pm
  How did life on Earth begin? Take a high-speed tour of key events since the Big Bang that set the stage for life. Starting with the first stars and ending with the tremendous biological diversity on Earth today, Life will show audiences that the human pedigree is actually 13.7 billion years in the making.
• Journey to the Stars (2009)
  Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg
  3:30 pm
  Travel through space and time to experience the dramatic lives and deaths of stars. See brilliant supernova explosions, dive into the heart of the fiery Sun, and watch it transform into a red giant five billion years in the future. Along the way, you will discover the deep-rooted connection between humanity and the stars. Journey to the Stars was developed by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (www.amnh.org) in collaboration with the California Academy of Sciences as well as GOTO INC., Tokyo, Japan; Papalote Museo del Niño, Mexico City, Mexico; and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C. The show was created with the major support and partnership of NASA, Science Mission Directorate, Heliophysics Division.

 
BENJAMIN DEAN ASTRONOMY LECTURE
The History of Planetariums: The Morrison Turns 60
Monday, November 5, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Planetariums have informed and inspired audiences about the wonders of the Universe for almost 90 years. How did they come to be, and how have their approaches to science education and entertainment evolved during that time? As a science historian, Dr. Jordan D. Marché II of the University of Wisconsin will describe the major threads in planetarium history, including how the Morrison hosted the first planetarium light shows in the late 1950s. More than an account of evolving projection technologies, his talk will examine how the community of planetarium educators organized in response to broader social changes, including the dawning space age. $12 adults, $10 seniors, $6 Academy members. Purchase tickets in advance here, or by calling (415) 379-8000. Seating is limited.

NIGHTLIFE (AGES 21+)
Thursday, November 8, 2012 from 6:00 – 10:00 pm
Every Thursday night, music, creatures, and cocktails come together for NightLife at the Academy. In honor of its 60th anniversary, Morrison Planetarium will screen a mini-marathon of its three recent productions: Fragile Planet, Life: A Cosmic Story, and Earthquake: Evidence of a Restless Planet, preceded by a Tour of the Night Sky at 6:30. Planetarium Director Ryan Wyatt and his staff will share the history of Morrison Planetarium, and what it takes to make a show for a 75-foot dome. Battle some retro-extraterrestrials in a game of Space Invaders for Atari or Star Fox for Super Nintendo, and weather permitting, join staff on the living roof for stargazing and a glimpse of the planet Jupiter. Stellar cocktail in-hand, check out the lunar topography carvings of Craig Dorety, watch 1950s-era documentary footage introducing the world to the Morrison, and touch a 35-pound meteorite from the Academy’s collections. Then track down LoveTech’s out-of-this-world live electronic musicians and interactive art installations in the east pavilion and coral reef. NightLife is for ages 21+; a valid ID is required for entry. $12 per person ($10 for Academy members). Get NightLife tickets.

SCIENCE IN ACTION: FROM THE ARCHIVES
November 5-9, 2012 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
From 1950-1966, the Academy delighted millions of viewers with Science in Action, one of the first educational nature series on television. Step back in time and watch two 30-minute episodes from the archives, which have been specially transferred from 16 mm film: “Stars over San Francisco” (1952) and “Morrison Planetarium” (1965). Free with Academy admission. Takes place in the Naturalist Center.

NATURALIST CENTER DISPLAYS
Weekdays in November 2012 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Weekends in November 2012 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Visit the Naturalist Center on Level 3 to see a display of memorabilia from the old Morrison Planetarium: original artwork, blueprints, photographs, star projector light bulbs, and more. Got questions? An educator can help you with books, websites, and other resources. Free with Academy admission.

Notice anything different in Islands of Evolution lately?  A new installation called Tree of Life was recently unveiled, which explores the history of life on Earth through a series of interactive touch-screen experiences.  Zoom through the phylogenetic tree with the swipe of your fingertip to see, for instance, how bald eagles are related to bananas.  Phylogenetic trees are a way to show relationships between organisms, including when various groups of life diverged (separated) from one another. Three and a half billion years of evolutionary history and tens of thousands of species are represented. 

In addition to exploring those evidence-based relationships, you can collaborate with other visitors to experiment with the processes which drive species to differentiate from one another in an embedded simulation called FloTree (pictured).  By creating geographic barriers with your hands, branches of a theoretical family tree will diverge before your eyes. A second touch-screen table is home to the Build-a-Tree puzzle, which challenges you to construct trees that show the evolutionary relationships among organisms like birds, bats, and butterflies.

Tree of Life is a result of the multi-institutional Life on Earth project funded by the National Science Foundation, which builds on research from the learning sciences and human-computer interaction to present visualizations of evolutionary biology data in an accessible and compelling format.  Researchers from Harvard University will be at the Academy evaluating visitor interactions with the exhibit for several weeks.

Sharktober is back by popular demand—complete with shark experts, real specimens, and a new “shark & seek” scavenger hunt. Join us as we spotlight a group of animals that ruled the ancient seas and still exist today.  Read on for a schedule of shark-themed programs from October 1-31, 2012, plus special activities for Member Appreciation Month.

SHARKS TO DINOSAURS: A WALK THROUGH TIME
Daily at 12:00 pm
Journey through the Academy and learn about the sharks, tortoises, and dinosaurs that first appeared millions of years ago. Meet by the pendulum in the east pavilion.

CHAT WITH AN ACADEMY SCIENTIST
Join us for special presentations by renowned Academy scientists and special guests, with a month-long focus on sharks and their place in the web of life.  Takes place at Science in Action in the east pavilion; space is limited.

• Dr. Rebecca Johnson, California Academy of Sciences
  Saturday, Oct. 6 & Nov. 3 at 12:30 pm
  Learn about life in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary including its active wildlife, diverse history, and ongoing research and protection efforts.
• Dr. Dave Ebert, Moss Landing Marine Lab
  Saturday, Oct. 13 at 12:30 pm
  Dave and his research team recently discovered eight new shark species on a recent expedition to the southern Indian Ocean.
• Dr. John McCosker, California Academy of Sciences
  Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 12:30 pm
  White sharks are a rare but unforgettable experience for any California surfer that has encountered one.   Join us for a special presentation from Dr. McCosker on the natural history of white sharks and their encounters with humans.
• David McGuire, Sea Stewards
  Saturday, Oct. 27 at 12:30 pm
  Learn how David, Sea Stewards’ founder, uses his work as a marine biologist, ocean advocate, and filmmaker to study local shark populations and pursue shark conservation efforts.

SHARK COMMAND CENTER
Open Daily at the Naturalist Center
Explore the world of sharks through specimens, games, and puzzles, and then join us for one of our weekly Naturalist Center programs with a special focus on sharks:

• Shark Specimen Spotlight
  Thursday, Oct. 4, 11, & 18
  at 11:30 am
• Science Story Adventures
  (ages 4-8)
  Sunday, Oct. 7 & 21, at 2:30 pm
• Naturalist Center Crafts
  Fridays from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Wild & Crafty (ages 3-5)
  Monday, Oct. 1 at 10:00 am: Make a shark craft from a paper plate
  Monday, Oct. 15 at 10:00 am: Create an open-mouthed shark from an envelope
  Monday, Oct. 29 at 10:00 am: Make a 3-D paper shark
• Little Learners Lab (ages 3-5)
  Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 10:00 am: Learn about filter feeding in sharks.
  Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 10:00 am: Learn about a special sensory organ sharks have for feeling vibrations in the water.

EARLY EXPLORERS COVE
Open Daily
The Early Explorers Cove will highlight sharks with a selection of specimens, books, puzzles and hands-on activities all month long and host shark-themed editions of Saturday Safari on Saturday, Oct. 6, 20, & 27 at 11:00 am (in African Hall).

SHARKTOBERFEST NIGHTLIFE (Ages 21+)
October 4, 6:00-10:00 pm
Sharktoberfest returns to NightLife, celebrating two perennial favorites again this year: sharks and beer!  Taste your way through the beer garden in African Hall, featuring brews from local favorites like 21st Amendment Brewery, Almanac Beer Co., Anchor Brewing, Drake’s Brewing, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Pacific Brewing Laboratory, Speakeasy Ales & Lagers, and others.  Mingle amongst robot sharks and catch Capacitor performing an excerpt from Okeanos.  Hear about newly discovered shark species, shark tracking, and current research and conservation efforts from Academy research associates and shark experts Dave Ebert and David McGuire.  Plus, see specimens from the Academy’s research collections and library including jaws, shark tooth tools, and photos from 1980 of “Sandy,” the first white shark to survive in captivity. Music by Sleazemore of Lights Down Low fame. NightLife tickets are $12, $10 for Academy members.

SHARKTOBER IS MEMBER APPRECIATION MONTH
Receive up to 4 free general admission tickets when you join or renew your Academy membership during the month of October.  Plus, don’t miss out on a suite of special shark-themed activities and offers just for Academy members, including shark feedings at the Lagoon, shark cookie decorating for the entire family, docent tours, and more.  Visit the Membership page for details.

Claude, the Academy’s beloved albino alligator, turns 17 years old on Saturday, September 15. Help him celebrate by participating in one of this weekend’s alligator-themed activities:

Naturalist Center Craft
Friday, September 14
Location: Naturalist Center
Make a Claude hat in honor of the albino alligator’s 17th birthday.

Swamp Discovery: Then and Now
Daily at 3:30 pm
Location: The Swamp
Learn about the wetland ecosystems of the Southeast United States and their hidden value. Listen to sounds of amazing swamp inhabitants, whose relatives have existed for millions and millions of years. We’ll follow the life of the American alligator from hatchling chirps to the booming bellows of mature adults, all beneath the moss-draped limbs of a bald cypress.

Meet & Greet with Claude Character
Saturday, September 15
Keep an eye out for Claude the albino alligator character roaming the museum, and wish him a happy 17th birthday in-person.

Saturday Safari: Happy Birthday Claude!
Saturday, September 15 at 11:00 am
Location: African Hall
Claude fans of all ages are invited on a virtual journey to the swamps and wetlands of the southeastern United States, to learn about the native habitat of American alligators. The family-friendly program includes a reading of I Thought I Saw an Alligator, by Beth Erlund, and a one-of-a-kind “Feed Claude” beanbag-toss game for young biologists-in-training.

Learn more about alligators in the Naturalist Center
Friday-Saturday, September 14-15
Visit the Naturalist Center to learn more about American alligators and their relatives in honor of Claude’s birthday. Enjoy swamp-themed puzzles and games, and discover the differences between alligators and crocodiles by examining skull specimens up close.