Ladies and gents, there's a new attraction in town...and it's HUGE. If you've lived here for any length of time, you know that New Jersey is home to one of the most incredible science centers on the East Coast. Sorry, New York, you know it's true. Liberty Science Center is getting a major addition this weekend and it's out of this world!
The Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium and LSC Giant Dome Theater opened to the public on December 9th.
It is the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. Named for the high school teacher turned philanthropist who gave the science center five million dollars to build it, let's all just take a moment to thank her....Thank you, because this planetarium is truly mind blowing. At 110 feet in diameter, with a screen that is 89 feet in diameter, only a handful of planetariums in Asia are larger. And when it comes to planetariums, size does matter. According to a New York Times article, quoting the president and chief executive officer of the Liberty Science Center, Paul Hoffman, "A larger planetarium better simulates the experience of being out in the night sky. The experience is much more immersive."For comparison's sake, the famed Hayden Planetarium has a screen that's 68 feet in diameter - more than 20 percent smaller. The Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium also has top of the line technology including an 8K digital projection system and screen (built inside the former IMAX Theater dome). It is one of only two planetariums in the world with this level of image quality. It features 400 seats, 10 projectors and a digital projection system, connected to servers that can display satellite images from space almost instantaneously. The lighting system can produce 281 trillion distinct colors, creating the most accurate picture of our galaxy (and beyond) possible.
The planetarium will offer two unique shows, both sure to captivate you.
The first is Wonders of the Universe, a 45-minute presentation that explores our night sky and beyond. "See the universe as it appears to the naked eye, as well as through the eyes of NASA’s robot probes, of the Hubble Space Telescope, and arrays of telescopes from around our planet." You'll fly billions of miles to Saturn and then pop over to Jupiter to see the morning sky. You'll travel over 1,400 light years through the great Orion Nebula and I can't imagine it being anything less than breathtaking. In addition, a portion of this show will be set aside to include the latest breaking news in astronomy and aerospace.The planetarium's second show is To Worlds Beyond. This 30-minute presentation will take you on a tour of our universe that incorporates the latest information about the solar system "as gathered by a fleet of robot probes." "After the film, a live presenter takes over and shows the audience where the planets are in the night sky that very evening." You'll also find a holiday laser light show airing in the LSC Giant Dome Theater.
In honor of the planetarium's grand opening, Liberty Science Center is hosting a Cosmic Celebration!
From December 9th until January 1st, LSC is "ringing out the telescopes, gyroscopes, and more for astronomical activities and adventures. Spin into physics on rotational stools. Attempt to perform basic tasks with astronaut gloves. Feel moon sand, watch (them) whip up a mini-comet, and learn to handle a telescope like a pro." The center is also hosting a premium Star Trek exhibit, Star Trek: The Starfleet Academy Experience. This interactive, immersive experience will take you through nine different zones offering science, engineering, medical, and command training.
Visitors will be able to use voice recognition technology to communicate in Klingon, pilot a starship from an active bridge,
view costumes and props from the franchise, and more!Little ones will absolutely love Space Station Liberty, where they can dress up like an astronaut, control a space station, and collect and study space materials. I wonder how young you need to be. Asking for a friend.
For a preview of the planetarium's To Worlds Beyond show, watch the short (but entirely mesmerizing) video below. Imagine seeing it on a giant screen!
The opening of the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium at Liberty Science Center represents the beginning of a new era in the world of science and technology; an era where each of us is afforded the opportunity to explore the universe and take our own journey into space. While our feet may never leave the ground, our minds are in the stars. Liberty Science Center is located at 222 Jersey City Boulevard,Jersey City; it is open from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends. The museum is closed on Mondays. You may have been to the Liberty Science Center years ago, but it's time to go back again. For other childhood favorites worth revisiting as an adult, check out this list.
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