For thousands of years, humans observed the light from the night sky with just their eyes.

In the beginning of the 17th century, the invention of the telescope revolutionized our knowledge of the optical Universe.

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 from the hot and violent Universe. Not only light, though, can provide information about the Cosmos. Neutrinos and cosmic rays reveal even more.

Recently, detection of gravitational waves by the LIGO experiment of two merging black holes opened a new window into astrophysics.

This program will delve into these different ways we learn about the Cosmos.

The program is followed by a live, brief tour of the current evening sky using our Zeiss ZKP-4 optical star projector. Due to its live nature, and the natural progression of the changing night sky throughout the seasons, each tour will be unique! Learn what fascinating mythological constellations, from Ancient Greece and other cultures, will be easily visible. Marvel at their lore. Find out what planets are easily seen as well. Visitors will take this knowledge home and be able to locate these celestial sights for themselves.

Show length ~35 min.