Bringing space just a little closer, however, is the Natural Science Center’s new 86-seat theater with 40-foot-diameter dome, the largest in the state, which opened to the public March 15. “It’s simply the latest development in planetary projections,” says Roger Joyner, curator of the OmniSphere.

Thanks to current digital technology, the motion projection images can cover the whole 360-degree dome, encircling the viewer and providing a total-immersion experience. Joyner notes that this means “virtually anything” can be projected (not just stars), hence the decision to call the facility an OmniSphere rather than a planetarium.

Illustrating his point is the list of current programs, which includes — in addition to the expected Seasonal Stargazing — Kaluoka’hina: the Enchanted Reef, an animated show about saving an underwater world, Astronaut, a high-definition program that explores the question of what it takes to become an astronaut, and the aptly named Laser Pop, which synchronizes three-color laser images with pop music and special effects.

While these shows have already captured the attention of thousands of visitors, Museum Director Glen Dobrogosz says he is looking forward to such shows as Microcosm, which will explore the inner body, and Future Wild, an imaginative look at animals of the future. Dobrogosz is also investigating the possibility of projecting 3-D, IMAX-style movies onto the dome, something that is in the works, but has never before been done on a curved screen.

The Natural Science Center offers public OmniSphere shows daily at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m., with an additional show at 11 a.m. on Saturdays. For information, call 336-288-3769 or go to natsci.org.

— Barbara Rizza Mellin