Hardly anything has shaped the history of civilization as much as man's confrontation with the heavens.
Megalithic stone circles bear witness to this, as do the astronomical origins of science in ancient Greece
or the technical principles of modern high seas navigation. Even prehistoric sites tell of the important role
the heavens have always played for people, whether in their practical everyday lives or as a repository for
mythological imaginings spanning the generations.
The planetarium is the latest representation in a long series of sites and inventions reaching far back
into human history that served our preoccupation with the starry heavens and the cosmos
surrounding us. On the occasion of the centennial of the invention of the projection planetarium,
we embark on a journey which begins with the early cultures of mankind and leads along an
ever-changing view of the heavens to the modern star theater.
This show is brought to you by the Bochum Planetarium and the Association of German Speaking Planetariums and has audio available in other languages, including Spanish
Suitable Audience: general audiences (educationally geared toward middle school level and above)
Approximate Running Time: 35 minutes
Main Themes: history of the planetarium, technological advancement, man's enduring fascination with the heavens