NEWS

Major upgrade of ‘Star of Bethlehem’ includes new special effects, research

CHAPEL HILL -- "Star of Bethlehem," the longest-running program in the history of planetariums worldwide, has received an important gift just in time for the holidays: a major upgrade featuring more dazzling special effects and additional compelling research.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Morehead Planetarium and Science Center hosts the show, and the new version will premiere Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. Carolina faculty, staff and students who present UNC One Cards will receive free admission for that evening.

The new program also features the contributions of campus community members – including Chancellor James Moeser, a past president of the American Guild of Organists, performing his rendition of "Joy to the World" on organ.

"This is such a special program for many reasons, including its important role in the university’s history and its popularity with citizens across North Carolina," said Dr. Holden Thorp, director of the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. "We are pleased the new program includes important contributions from faculty, students and Chancellor Moeser."

In addition, former WRAL-TV anchorman Charlie Gaddy narrates the new version.

"Star of Bethlehem" looks at possible astronomical explanations of that celestial event of long ago. Using planetarium wizardry, viewers examine and decide for themselves whether a blazing comet, an exploding star called a nova, a shooting star, a major eclipse or a conjunction of planets might explain the reported event.

The new program incorporates new theories from experts in archeology and history, including contributions from Drs. Peter Kaufman, professor of religious studies at UNC; Jaroslav Folda, N. Ferebee Taylor professor of the history of art at UNC; and Jonathan Keohane, instructor of physics at the N.C. School of Science and Math and adjunct professor in physics and astronomy at UNC.

The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center Star Theater’s recently upgraded video system uses additional visual sequences to make the special effects even more compelling. A new, original digitally edited soundtrack enhances audio quality.

"Young people today are experiencing incredible technology in computers, movies and other media on a daily basis," said Bob Gotwals, associate director of the Morehead. "To further their interest in the sciences – the key mission of the center – we need to create a high-tech environment that will encourage these young people to examine the scientific phenomena surrounding the star.

"The participation of several UNC students proved very helpful to us, as we sought to design a new program that would produce a memorable and entertaining learning opportunity."

UNC students appearing in the production include: Melody Busse of Concord; Patrick Donnelly of Jamestown; Ryan Fitzpatrick of Lake Toxaway; Julius Leak of Lilesville; Meredith Leebrick of Greenville; Susanna Lewis of Greenville; David Martiniuk of Lexington; Princess Small of Nashville, Tenn.; and John Vorheis of Merritt.

The Morehead has presented "Star of Bethlehem" for more than 50 years, beginning when UNC benefactor John Motley Morehead III saw Dr. Roy Marshall deliver his version of the program at Philadelphia’s Fels Planetarium. Morehead subsequently invited Marshall to serve as founding director of the UNC planetarium, which was being developed.

The planetarium became the first in the country to be located on a university campus. With Marshall as director, Morehead said he felt that "for the first time, I know that I’ve gotten my money’s worth with that Planetarium in Chapel Hill. I could ask for nothing better than that the people of North Carolina should see this beautiful and inspiring production."

"Star of Bethlehem" will run through Jan. 20. Show times from Nov. 21 through Dec. 20 are: 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays (and Nov. 29); and 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Sundays.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (919) 962-1236 or visit the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center’s Web site at www.morehead.unc.edu.

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Morehead Planetarium and Science Center contact: Jeff Hill, (919) 962-1236

News Services contact: Deb Saine, (919) 962-8415