3, 2, 1 Blast Off!

Launch into Space with the EcoTarium's New Digital Planetarium

MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Hesshaus
Communications Manager
shesshaus@ecotarium.org
(508)929-2738

February 2007

(WORCESTER, MA)-- On Tuesday, February 20, the EcoTarium launches its new Alden Digital Planetarium �- a fully digitally programmed planetarium with the capacity to offer full-dome multimedia shows. The digital planetarium system provides cutting-edge scientific visualization and imaginative animation as well as a fully navigable model of the solar system, making it one of the most technologically advanced planetariums in New England.

Images from NASA and the Hubble Space Telescope create a three-dimensional solar system which is projected onto the 40-foot dome using Digital Light Processing technology from Sky-Skan, Inc., an international leader in planetarium systems. Visitors of all ages will be able to explore the night sky, zoom in close on asteroids, planets and moons and travel beyond the limits of our solar system, all without leaving their seats here on Earth.

"We're very excited to be opening this new state-of-the-art attraction in Worcester. Only about 100 museums in the world are currently offering planetarium experiences of this caliber," said Alexander Goldowsky, Director of Exhibits and Education at the EcoTarium. "Astronomy and space travel captures the imagination, whether you're talking about black holes, the possibility of life onother planets or the fact that each of us contains recycled atoms from long dead stars."

The planetarium will open for the February School Vacation Week with a variety of multimedia programming developed by the American Museum of Natural History, NASA and other institutions, enhanced by custom-designed Bose surround sound. From a thrilling voyage through the Milky Way Galaxy using real NASA imagery to animated space adventures for young children, the planetarium experience is designed to captivate audiences of all ages.

The Alden Planetarium was opened in 1971 and closed in August 2006 for system upgrades. The state-of-the-art digital technology was made possible by generous contributions from individuals and foundations.

The Alden Digital Planetarium will be open Tuesday through Sunday during regular museum hours. For more information, including program show times, please check online at www.ecotarium.org/planetarium, or call (508) 929-2700. Tickets for each show are $4 per person for non-members (plus museum admission), $3.50 per person for school groups (plus museum admission) and $3.50 for members.

EcoTarium, A Museum of Science & Nature, offers three floors of interactive exhibits, wildlife habitats, interpretive nature trails, a planetarium, and a narrow-gauge railroad. The museum, located at 222 Harrington Way in Worcester, Mass., is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays 12 to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors, college students and children ages 3-18. Parking is free. For information, please call (508) 929-2700 or email info@ecotarium.org.

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