This past weekend we ventured to the Minnesota Science Museum and took in the new Hubble film on the IMAX screen and we were totally blown away. It is spectacularly filmed and has computer simulations of flying through space that completely exceeded our expectations. Imagine seeing a typical image of Orion and then zooming in a bit on the sword and seeing the great Orion Nebula. Very cool, but wait, now we will begin flying through space and seeing all the stars in this familiar constellation shift as our angle of view alters their apparent position. Then, as our flight continues we descend into the midst of the nebula through layers of gas until we see, at the heart of the nebula, the Trapezium. This stellar nursery sits just an arms length away and the view almost brought tears to my eyes!
How often have I sat at the eyepiece of one of my scopes and dreamed of traveling this way to see all the gems of our Universe? The few minutes of this simulation were totally worth the price of admission for me.
The film gives some good background info necessary to acquaint the public with the importance of the work the space telescope has performed, and also has some nice footage of the various servicing missions along with some candid footage of the astronauts. The entire film is only 45 minutes long and I would have sat there gladly for another two hours, but the length was perfect for the children viewing it.
I would highly recommend this film to anyone with an opportunity to experience it. A+++
Jim
I've seen it twice, including the Illinois premier at Navy Pier in Chicago. That was a big deal, because the University of Illinois did most of the 3D graphics, and two speakers spoke after the showing about how they did it. below is my friend Joe's account of the Navy Pier Premier.
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Sounds like a awesome trip Jim - glad you made it back safely!
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