Ocean Isle Beach Planetarium
“Astronomy compels the soul to look upwards, and leads us from this world to another.” ~ Plato
Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what else may be out there in the enormous expanse of space that constitutes our Universe? If you have, you are most definitely not alone. Ever since the beginning of human existence on this planet, we have questioned our own purpose in life, as well as the possibility that there could be others out there facing the same questions. It is hard to gaze upon the night sky, or even just think of the intricate details that make up the Universe, and not feel compelled to wonder.
Astronomy deals with the study of objects that exist in the Universe. Astronomers spend a great deal of time gathering information on planets, moons, stars, suns, distant galaxies, and other bodies floating around in space. Ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians, who did make phenomenal leaps in the study of the mathematical and scientific applications of astronomy, tended to view astronomy as an extension of their religious beliefs. This may explain why astronomy, mythology, and astrology have such close ties with one another. Both the ancient Greeks and Romans identified heavenly bodies with religious figures, such as Zeus, Aphrodite, and Jove, to name a few. They also constructed stories explaining the various changes in the universe by identifying different elements with the gods.
Ingram Planetarium, located in The Village at Sunset Beach, about 4 miles from Ocean Isle Beach, offers spectacular astronomy and planetary programs, as well as, hands-on activities that are sure to appeal to a wide variety of ages. The Planetarium is a sister facility of the Museum of Coastal Carolina located on the island in Ocean Isle Beach. During the summer months, the planetarium offers children’s programs and varying shows that cover a wide range of topics. These summer programs include: the nine planets of the solar system, the Southeastern sky and its constellations, and how expeditions were safely made across the Pacific Ocean using the stars as guides. A children’s program is also offered once daily at one o’clock in the afternoon in the Science Hall.
The planetarium also has regular daily programs. Ancient Horizons goes into modern science and briefly attempts to explain why the stars shine, why things move the way they do in the Universe, and how and when the Earth was formed. It then delves into the Egyptian concepts of the universe and how these concepts helped form and maintain order in the Egyptian civilization, which flourished for 3000 years. Search for Life in the Universe is a program that is narrated by Leonard Nimoy, Mr. Spock from Star Trek. It poses the question that has haunted the human species since the beginning of our existence on this planet: Are we alone in the Universe? Although the question cannot be fully answered, the program endeavors to demonstrate what is needed to form life on other planets, as well as what research is being done to find life somewhere else in the Universe. Finally, The Sky Tonight is the last of the regular programs, and it is a great program for both young and old. The program explores the southeastern North Carolina sky in depth. The audience receives a view of the stars, constellations, and planets that is untainted by the daily pollutions and atmospheric moisture that tend to obscure one’s ability to fully see what lies in the sky above.
In the summer months, the planetarium is open from Tuesday to Saturday from one o’clock to seven o’clock. From the fall to spring, it is open only from Thursday to Saturday from three o’clock to seven o’clock. At all times, admission is five dollars for adults and three dollars for children.
Planetarium visitors will find themselves immersed in a 360 degree voyage through space. Programs take the viewer both back in time in order to view the constellations as they were seen in ancient history, as well as, jump into the future to demonstrate what it is believed the night sky will look like when our own children and grandchildren experience the wonder of gazing upwards. Although it cannot be expected to answer every single question that we have about the universe, the facility does a spectacular job of providing information and delighting the imagination. Needless to say, Ingram Planetarium would be a worthwhile stop on your next visit to Ocean Isle!
For more information, visit Ingram Planetarium.
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