Bishop Planetarium Attracts Islanders and Visitors
Bishop Planetarium is an exciting and educational attraction for Anna Maria Islanders and visitors alike.
Anna Maria Island can be a good place from which to gaze at the heavens. We are fortunate to often have excellent views of space shuttle launches, to the east. Many people on the island have chosen to use minimal outdoor lighting, and to choose fixtures that direct the light down, rather than needlessly to the sky. It’s better for sea turtles during nesting season, and it’s better for star gazers, too. The meteor showers of summer can be seen here because there is relatively little light.
In addition to what can been seen directly from the island, there is a nearby resource that adds a great deal of opportunity and education related to astronomy. The Bishop Planetarium, in downtown Bradenton, is part of a complex that includes the South Florida Museum and the Parker Manatee Aquarium.
The planetarium’s theater is a 50-foot-high dome equipped with a $1-million digital projection system, which is one of only three systems of its kind in the world. Incorporating unidirectional stadium style seating, high definition DVD, TV, and PowerPoint projection, and a digital 25,000 watt Dolby 5.1 surround sound system, the Bishop Planetarium theater is capable of presenting a wide range of programs.
In addition to special programs based on specific astronomical events, the planetarium offers programs throughout the day. Among those is “Two Small Pieces of Glass,” which shows how the telescope has brought so much of the universe to our scientists. “Extreme Planets” covers the discoveries of planets in other solar systems of the Milky Way. “The Ultimate Universe” is a stunning 80-quadrillion-mile virtual journey through the solar system.
A favorite show in the dome theater is “Live Star Talk.” An astronomer explains how to identify the stars, planets and constellations we can see from the Bradenton area, as the audience reclines in seats of the plush theater. It’s a wonderful way to enrich one’s viewing experience back on the island.
How fortunate visitors and residents are that this planetarium was rebuilt after fire destroyed in several years ago. It is located at 201 10th Street West in Bradenton. Admission is $15.95 for adults and $13.95 for seniors over sixty. This includes admission to the planetarium, the history museum and the aquarium, where Snootie the manatee lives. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 to 5 and Sunday from noon to 5.
It’s hard to believe that we, on this simple island, have such a sophisticated educational resource so near. Bradenton is full of these kinds of surprises. There is more to this small city than first meets the eye.
Related posts:
- Anna Maria Island Little League Start AMILL is accepting registration for the upcoming Little League and T-ball season at the Anna Maria Community Center. Players from age 5 to 16 cost $50, discounted if you register on Saturday, Jan 19 11am – 2pm, or Tuesday, Jan...
- Anna Maria Island Properties Anna Maria Island is a gem of a place, and it is surrounded by a wide variety of other kinds of places, all of which are appealing. This is one of the island’s greatest assets...
- Art, Cultural Events Start Anna Maria Island High Season Anna Maria Island Art League’s first show of the 2009-2010 cultural season. It opens on November 13, as part of the island-wide ArtsHOP, a weekend full of art, theater and music. Hosted by the Anna Maria Island Art League, Island...
- Seven Ways to Enjoy Spring Break on Anna Maria Island Anna Maria Island is a great place to spend Spring Break, as long as you’re not looking for a party. Not every college student is an extrovert. Many are looking for something a lot more interesting than joining a...
- Mullet Invitational Fishing Contest The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, F.I.S.H., will hold the first ever “Mullet Invitational Fishing Contest” in Cortez, Florida. The event will be held Friday and Saturday September 5-6, 2008. The contest will be a tribute to Ben Gullett...
