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USC Aiken's DuPont Planetarium Gives Guests VIP Treatment

Aiken, SC (05/13/2020) — COVID-19 can't stop the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center's Dupont Planetarium on the University of South Carolina Aiken campus from giving their guests and explorers of all ages an engaging, dynamic experience - even if it's in the comfort of their own homes.

The planetarium, in partnership with Evans & Sutherland, the world's leading producer and distributor of full-dome planetarium shows, is offering the community the Virtual In-home Planetarium (VIP) Experience.

"Because the DuPont Planetarium is not able to offer shows in person due to Covid 19, we are excited to offer this VIP experience that allows everyone to view free streaming shows from the comfort of anywhere there is an internet signal," said John Hutchens, director of special programs at Ruth Patrick.

"While we can't be together in person, we hope that this virtual window to the universe can continue our mission of infusing the love of science throughout our community.

"These shows are great for families, educators and anyone else that has an interest in the heavens above," Hutchens added.

For the next few weeks the Dupont Planetarium will release a new show on Thursdays at http://www.usca.edu/planetarium/VIP.

Dynamic Earth. narrated by Liam Neeson, is the first VIP show available. The award-winning Dynamic Earth explores the inner workings of Earth's climate system. With visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations, this cutting-edge production follows a trail of energy that flows from the sun into the interlocking systems that impact the climate, the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere. Audiences will ride along on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales, and fly into roiling volcanoes. An educator guide will accompany this release.

A new show will be released each Thursday for the next several weeks. Guests may access the shows at their convenience.

Schedule of Shows:

  • Currently Available - Dynamic Earth
  • May 21 - Zula Patrol: Down to Earth
  • May 28 - Super Volcanoes
  • June 4 - Birth of Planet Earth
  • June 11 - Unseen Universe
  • June 18 - Secret Lives of Stars
  • June 25 - Invaders of Mars
  • July 2 - Robot Explorers

Media Attachments

The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center's Dupont Planetarium, in partnership with Evans & Sutherland, the world's leading producer and distributor of full-dome planetarium shows, is offering the community the Virtual In-home Planetarium (VIP) Experience. For the next few weeks the Dupont Planetarium will release a new show on Thursdays at http://www.usca.edu/planetarium/VIP.

For the next few weeks the Dupont Planetarium will release a new show on Thursdays at http://www.usca.edu/planetarium/VIP.

USC Aiken

USC Aiken News (803) 641-3738, news@usca.edu

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