A planetarium is a domed theater in which a realistic and scientifically-accurate simulation of the night sky is created, using a highly-specialized "star projector." With this projector, the movement and relative positions of the Sun, the Moon, and the five naked-eye planets can also be shown against the stars. As the state's oldest, our planetarium has entertained and enlightened over a half a million people. Find out more about Evansville's own and the wonderful programs it hosts. Link To The Sky Tonight Link To Upcoming Shows Link To the History of the Koch Planetarium LOOKS FOR LIFE ON WATER WORLDS Presented in partnership with Robert A. and Sara B. Davies Fund Click Here For Show Trailer MUST HAVE QUICKTIME INSTALLED ON YOUR COMPUTER Two of the most profound questions humans can ask are "Where do we come from?" and "Are we alone?" It is only natural that we look across the gulfs of space to search for other inhabited worlds. Now though May 18, the Koch Planetarium will present OCEANS IN SPACE, a presentation that leads us on a journey that seeks out places in the Universe where conditions are ripe for life. This thought-provoking presentation, presented in partnership with Robert A. and Sara B. Davies Fund, highlights the search for extrasolar planets and our understanding of the conditions in other star systems necessary to sustain life. The show travels back in time more than five billion years, to trace the origin and evolution of our own solar system. It then describes the formation of our planet's oceans and presents three requirements for the nourishment of life on Earth--and most likely anywhere else in the universe--warmth, water, and organic material. Today, life on Earth flourishes in environments ranging from familiar to downright alien. Our newest planetarium show examines the variety of life that populates our planet: from the creatures of the land, to organisms that exist in the extreme conditions around volcanic vents on the ocean floor. Could life exist in similar extreme environments elsewhere in our own solar system? The search for other life-bearing worlds moves to other star systems where known planets exist, and illustrates techniques scientists use to look for extrasolar planets. A science fiction-style ending portrays spaceship crews exploring the shores of an alien ocean far from Earth, in a scene taken from humanity's distant future. Oceans In Space is an original work commissioned by the Springfield Library and Museums Association for the Seymour Planetarium of Springfield, Massachusetts and was created by Loch Ness Productions. Show trailer created by Nick Rea, Lakeview Museum of Arts and Science. Used with permission. Showtimes Saturday & Sunday 1 p.m. Through May 18 EVSC Spring Break Showtimes March 25, 26, 27, 28 at 1 p.m. Admission: Adults $3 Children $2 Free to Museum Members with the presentation of a valid membership card. Also Showing In The Koch Planetarium The Sky Tonight Showtimes Saturday & Sunday 3 p.m. Every Weekend Admission: Adults $3 Children $2 Free to Museum Members with the presentation of a valid membership card. "The Sky Tonight”, our “live” presentation detailing “what’s up” in the evening sky. This traditional star show examines bright stars, constellations, visible planets, the moon the winter constellations typically seen during this time of the year. Upcoming Shows Night Lights May 24 - Aug 17 Seeing the Invisible Universe Aug 23 - Dec 7 Season of Light Dec 13 - Dec 28 Planetarium History If you were at the West Side Nut Club Festival in 1952, you might recall seeing a public demonstration of the Museum's first star projector, for it was there that our new Spitz A-1 was shown to over 3,500 festival-goers. The newly acquired star projector, a key attraction at our old museum building on Northwest Second Street, was later moved to its present location on the third floor. Recently celebrating its 54th anniversary, our Planetarium is recognized as the first in the state. Records show that as far back as 1949 there were astronomical programs at the Museum. The decision to acquire a planetarium was the work of the late, Dr. Siegfried Weng, and Museum President, the late R. Malcolm Koch. Funding for our first star projector came from the West Side Nut Club. Until 1974, the Koch Planetarium facility utilized an dodecahedron-shaped instrument. The instrument was first placed under an 18-foot ribbed, canvas dome hung from the ceiling and later was moved to our current facility. Although our original dome could be raised and lowered as needed, visitors had to "duck" under the dome to enter the planetarium chamber. With the construction of our present and more expansive building in 1959, "ducking" into the planetarium meant walking through a real door and into a real room. By the early 1970s, our vintage Spitz A-1 was beginning to show signs of old age, and the Museum initiated a campaign to purchase a new projector. Funded entirely by private donations, a new Spitz 512 star projector was purchased and installed in 1974. We've kept the old star projector as part of the Museum collection, holding it in reserve for future display. One original item from the 50s, however, may be seen. An orrery, which models the movement of the planets as they circle the sun, may still be viewed in the vestibule leading into the planetarium. This exhibit has run continuously since the early 50's. Over the past fifty years the planetarium has entertained and enlightened over a half a million people. As you might suspect, many individuals, sponsors and organizations were instrumental in making this happen. The community will always be indebted to those who came at just the right time, whether to fund a new show, point out the stars to an eager audience, or make some other contribution. The planetarium that started it all in Indiana is at the Museum. The Koch Planetarium - the first planetarium in Indiana - will continue to serve our Tri-State Community for years to come. Institutional Member EVANSVILLE MUSEUM 411 S.E. Riverside Drive Evansville, Indiana 47713-1098 Phone: (812) 425-2406 Fax: (812) 421-7509