This program was written and narrated by Berkeley Professor Timothy Ferris, who also hosted the PBS program "The Creation of the Universe." Professor Ferris is also the author of the critically acclaimed books, Galaxies, Spaceshots, and The Red Limit, as well as producing the Voyager Probes’ record – an artifact of world civilization launched aboard the Voyager Interstellar Spacecraft.

This engrossing look at the building blocks of the Universe features expert writing, the best available scientific consultation, special art work, and the finest in astrophotography will truly excite the imagination. This production is highly recommended for those interested in what lies beyond our own Solar System.

The program concludes with a survey of the current night sky.

Objectives:

• To gain an appreciation of the nature of our Milky Way Galaxy.
• To understand our Solar System’s place in the Milky Way Galaxy.
• To be introduced to other stars, open and globular clusters, and nebulae within the Milky Way Galaxy.
• To be introduced to other galaxies, both within the Virgo Cluster, and beyond.
• To recognize some basic constellations in the current night sky.

Grade Range: Sixth Grade and above, college, and the general public.

Pre-Planetarium Preparation: Question the students about the difference between our Solar System, the Milky Way Galaxy, and the Universe. Do they know the relation? Do they have an idea of the relative sizes and distances between these three things? If time and weather permits, have them examine the current night sky for constellations and asterisms.

Post-Planetarium Projects: Teachers will be provided with a project sheet of related ideas to do with their students following their visit.

Notice: This presentation utilizes strobe effects, which have been known to instigate seizures in individuals diagnosed with epilepsy. If this applies to you or someone in your group, notify the Planetarium Director and the strobe effects will be removed from the presentation.