Dr. John Robertson, Westminster College associate professor of biology, will host the biology-themed Natural Selection viewing Thursday, April 14, at 7 p.m. in Westminster's Planetarium (Hoyt Science Resources Center room 116).

Natural Selection takes the audience on a virtual journey with Charles Darwin as he circumnavigates the globe on H.M.S. Beagle, a realistic reconstruction of Darwin's historic trip in 1831-1836.  Through Darwin's discoveries of new species during the voyage, the audience learns how life evolves on Earth.

Robertson will introduce and conclude the one-hour program with brief presentations on evolution, including fossils that children in the audience can handle.

"People of all ages and educational levels will enjoy this how and be able to take something away," Robertson said.  "It presents many concepts central to evolution in an engaging and clear way.  The animation and music in the show are awesome and there are even a few surprises.  It's a ‘must-see.'"

Planetariums are traditionally known only for astronomy-related content, since early projectors were designed specifically to project only stars and planets.  With the advent of digital technology, any image can now be projected over the entire dome, expanding the boundaries of the content that can be offered.

Westminster's Planetarium is a 45-seat full-dome theater where shows are displayed using the planetarium's digital 360-degree dome projector.  Used for Westminster classes since the 1950s, the Planetarium has offered public and private shows for the local community for over 20 years and hosted more than 20,000 visitors.

A digital full-dome movie surrounds the audience on all sides, giving them the feeling of being immersed in the movie.

"Natural Selection arguably utilizes the full-dome medium better than any other show we've offered," said Dr. Thomas Oberst, Westminster assistant professor of physics and director of the Planetarium.  "When you're on the ship, you feel as if you are really moving with the ship.  When you're underwater, you feel as if you are really swimming among the fish."

Details on the show are available at www.westminster.edu/planetarium.

The program is free and open to the public.  However, reservations are necessary due to limited seating and will be accepted until 4 p.m. the day of the show.  Reservations can be made by contacting Westminster's Physics Department at (724) 946-7200 Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m-4:30 p.m., email physics@westminster.edu, or completing the online form at www.westminster.edu/planetarium.

Dr. John Robertson

Dr. Thomas Oberst

Planetarium Information and Reservations