Houston apartment residents, take note! The illuminated downtown skyline and urban sprawl that help define our metropolis make it difficult to see stars most nights. But the stars are shining down on you somewhere in this great city, you just have to find them.
A highly acclaimed cosmic production playing at the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s Burke Baker Planetarium can help you do just that. Secret Lives of Stars, a fulldome show, has played almost daily at the planetarium for the past several months. It has been so popular with visitors, the museum has decided to have four encore showings over the next several weeks.
The show, an Evans & Sutherland production that has been making its rounds since being released in 2011, promises an out-of-this-world experience that is…
Scientific
If you like to learn from the videos you watch, Secret Lives of Stars won’t disappoint. In just 25 minutes, this brilliant high-definition documentary explains what stars are made of, how they come about, how long they live, how they die, and what happens to them when they die. Considering the makeup and longevity of stars varies considerably, this is no small feat. Even hobby astronomers with an extensive knowledge of stars and their inner workings are likely to learn something from this educational video.
Pop Culturific
Alright, so Secret Lives of Stars may not be as concerned with Hollywood as its name might lead some to believe. Still, for Trekkies, X-Men fanatics, and general fans of Sir Patrick Stewart, the production has an air of celebrity. Those who experience the documentary will have the pleasure of being guided on a special cosmic journey by one of the most well-known space media actors. It may not be difficult for Star Trek fans to imagine they are in the same room as Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
Family-Friendly Houston Museum Fun
Not only is the video educational and fun, being a full-dome E&S production it’s also interactive. Secret Lives of Stars is an experience the entire family can enjoy together. If you have even a remote interest in astronomy, the show should be an informative and entertaining treat for you.
As the largest museum in Houston’s Museum District and one of the five most popular non-Smithsonian museums in the United States, the Houston Museum of Natural Science has a lot to offer. At the ripe old age of 105, it’s also a living slice of Houston’s history. If you can’t make it to any of the remaining showings, (July 9, August 4, August 5, and August 15) keep an eye out for future exhibits and productions.
Just across from Hermann Park, the museum is conveniently located.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is just one of several excellent museums in Texas’s biggest city. What is your favorite Houston museum and why?
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst