Stellar shows The Robert H. Goddard Planetarium’s laser shows

Juno Ogle Photo The Robert H. Goddard Planetarium was named after the scientist whose work helped the U.S. to win the race to the moon.

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Stellar shows

The Robert H. Goddard Planetarium presents a variety of laser shows during the UFO Festival By Christina Stock Vision Editor

The Robert H. Goddard Planetarium has been a favorite for visitors and locals during the UFO Festivals throughout the years. Planetarium coordinator Jeremy Howe is looking forward to presenting the state-of-the-art, full-dome digital theater system this year again.

Asked what is new, Howe said, “That’s a fun question, and I am excited to answer it. I’ve been waiting for this to come about — and it’s been a long time coming but it’s finally here. I have three new laser shows. We have the one that I am most excited for, ‘Laser Queen’, ‘Laser Grateful Dead’ and ‘Laser Elton John (Rocket Man).’ Projected onto the dome, it’ll be a lot of fun.”

It is an exiting era for stargazers. “There is certainly no end to the amazing happening in space on almost a weekly basis,” Howe said. “There is some new satellite going up; the amazing Elon Musk and his vision and push for Mars colonization and all these things. Those are things that I like to keep the public updated about with the Space is Awesome video snippets I speak on. (Howe’s video clips are shown on the Facebook page of the Roswell Museum and Art Center. The planetarium is attached to the museum and part of it.)

“We have been closed since March 2020. So my film library will feel like a new film library because everybody has forgotten the shows that I played. They’re expensive to get in the first place. It will be fun going through the process of reopening, and a little introduction and a great space film followed by Constellation Star Show where I speak about what stars are out, what constellations are out, what planets are out. Things you can see and if you come down to the planetarium, it’s usually about an hour-long program.”

The space film Howe mentioned is called “Destination Mars.”

Laser shows that will be shown during the UFO Festival at the planetarium, as submitted:

Electrolaze Peace, Love, Unity, Respect.

Electrolaze is the perfect melding of lights and sounds as lasers carve incandescent trails across the beats, snaps and wobbles of today’s electronic dance music. Prepare to experience dubstep, drum & bass, trance and Dutch house as never before. Rage on!

LaseRock

If you ever find yourself in Suffragette City, Ramble On down to the station and hop onboard the Crazy Train! Space-faring guitars, distant worlds, and sneering skulls dominate this high-voltage journey through laser lights and music. From kinetic classics by Yes and Rush to ear shredders by Motörhead and Ozzy Osbourne, this show will keep your head pounding long after the music ends!

Laser Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin is proclaimed by many critics to be the progenitors of heavy metal and hard rock, and their individualistic style reset the standards for many musical genres in the 1960s and ’70s. Indeed, they have been hailed as one of the most successful, innovative and influential bands, alongside Pink Floyd, U2 and the Beatles. Now you can relive the magical sounds of Led Zeppelin while enjoying a visual treat of custom laser imagery.

Laser Pink Floyd — “Dark Side of the Moon”

Based on Pink Floyd’s 1973 album of humanitarian, political and philosophical empathy, “Dark Side of the Moon” is one of the most startling and bizarre laser light shows of all time!

Considered by many critics to be the album that brought the commercial breakthrough to Pink Floyd, “Dark Side of the Moon” offers a mixture of psychedelic, rock and jazz sounds. Its sonic backdrops and atmospheric soundscapes combined with a unique assortment of sound effects yield an emotional resonance. When accompanied by a diverse and unusual display of laser art, the overall feel is a dramatic and haunting atmosphere.

Laser Grateful Dead

America’s greatest cosmic rock ’n’ roll band — from kaleidoscopic psychedelia to homespun country rock to epic live jams and beyond, The Grateful Dead’s songs are woven into the very fabric of music itself. Now experience “The Dead” on a whole other level — through laser light!

LaseRetro

Do you tear up when you hear “Thanks, Mean Joe?” Do you wonder “Where’s the beef?” Do you think Max Headroom is the greatest political commentator of all time? Then this is the laser show for you! This show is a tribute to the great anthems of the 1980s with LaseRetro. Astonishing laser art is coupled with upbeat rock and pop songs from one of the most exciting periods in mainstream music: The ’80s! With the latest and most advanced programming techniques used to create spectacular and striking laser effects, LaseRetro will become a favorite with everyone!

Laser Fright Light

Do you have the courage to sit through the most terrifying laser experience ever? Are you brave enough to witness vampires seducing their prey and demons haunting the unsuspecting? Or perhaps you will keep your eyes closed and only sneak a peek at fun renditions like “Purple People Eater” or “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.”

Laser Metallica

Considered to be one of the pioneering groups in what would become the heavy metal genre, the musicianship and force of this band has been hailed by critics and fans

see Laser on page 30