Films, star shows and digital light shows now playing

Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center at the University of Nevada, Reno offers two breathtaking theater experiences in Fall 2008: Solar Max, a large-format feature film by John Weiley, and Extreme Planets, a full-dome digital star show by Clark Planetarium Productions. Fleischmann Planetarium will also feature Clark Planetarium’s recently released full-dome digital rock ’n roll light show, U2. All three shows play through Jan. 4, 2009, accompanied by a number of other planetarium favorites showing daily.

Solar Max SkyDome 8/70 large-format feature film transports audiences to the awesome vastness and mysterious power of our closest star as never before. Viewers will see thought-provoking concepts and jaw-dropping footage of the Earth’s sun captured from international sites including the European Space Agency/NASA Solar Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). Solar Max plays daily at p.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. $6 adult/$4 children under 13 and seniors over 55.

The full-dome digital star show Black Holes takes audiences on a journey through one of the most mystifying, awe-inspiring phenomena in the universe. Explore the most recent discoveries in a show featuring the latest in full-dome 3-D animation technology. Black Holes plays daily at 2 and 6 p.m., with additional noon showings on weekends and Oct. 31, Nov. 11, Nov. 28 and Dec. 22-Jan. 2. $6 adult/$4 children under 13 and seniors over 55.

You’ve heard the band. Now see the music. U2 is the first-ever full-dome production integrating the group’s classics and modern hits with the latest original full-dome art and interpretation, lighting effects, laser-beam work and live-performance special effects. It will rock your world. U2 plays Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. $6 adult/$4 seniors over 55.

Also showing through Jan. 4, 2009, at Fleischmann Planetarium:

MacGillivray Freeman’s new Skydome 8/70 large-format feature film The Alps carries audiences to the sheer rock-and-ice wall known as the Eiger North Face in the thin air above Switzerland, where an American climber embarks on the most perilous and meaningful ascent of his life. Shown daily at 5 p.m. $6 adult/$4 children under 13 and seniors over 55.

Ultimate Universe will take you on a grand celestial tour from the outer reaches of space through wondrous galaxies to the majesty of our own galaxy. This full-dome digital star show uses the latest 3-D animation technology to reveal the awesome power of the universe and its most provocative secrets. Shown daily at 4 p.m. $6 adult/$4 children under 13 and seniors over 55.

Legends of the Night Sky: Orion takes a light-hearted look at the ancient Greek mythology behind the winter constellations. The full-dome digital star show features funny and engaging characters like Aesop the Owl and Socrates the mouse who will entertain and educate parents and guardians and their young children. Shown at 11 a.m. weekends and on Oct. 31, Nov. 11, Nov. 28 and Dec. 22-Jan. 2. $6 adult/$4 children under 13 and seniors over 55.

The Planetarium Exhibit Hall contains permanent exhibits including large-scale rotating Earth and Moon globes, a black hole demonstrator and the largest collection of meteorites in the state. The Planetarium is currently hosting an exhibition created by the University’s Department of Psychology exploring visual perception.

Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center is open every day, 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m., and closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission is free to the Planetarium exhibits and gift shop.

For tickets and more information, call (775) 784-4811 or visit: http://www.planetarium.unr.edu