Before the presentation, viewers may believe they know all there is to know about volcanoes, but when they leave their knowledge will have expanded to other worlds. The planetarium show “Volcanoes,” presented by Travis Job and Ed Megill on Jan. 31, is interesting and educational.
Viewers first explore volcanoes here on Earth and then travel to surfaces of other planets to explore volcanic activity there. “I enjoyed the stars coming up and going to Venus, and everything about the moon, Io,” viewer Brenda Cross said.
Showgoers learn about what contributes to volcanic eruptions such as hot spots, silica and plate tectonics. They also learn about the most deadly eruption in the U.S.: Mt. Saint Helens.
Throughout the show various planets and their volcanoes are examined. Venus, the planet with more volcanoes than any other planet in our solar system, and Io, one of Jupiter’s moons and the most volcanically active body in our solar system, are some of the planetary bodies explored.
The show is loaded with tons of information accompanied by fascinating visuals. The domed ceiling of the planetarium surrounds viewers with projections. The show included a folky and educational song called “Plate Tectonics” by Jim and Kathy Ocean.
The presenter, Job, lectured with clear and detailed information interspersed with humor and levity. The show was interesting even for those who are not generally interested in science.
From start to finish there are many new things to be learned. “I never knew that if you didn’t have volcanoes, you didn’t have life,” audience member Paul Mazzoleni said. “Volcanoes” will continue in planetarium every weekend through Feb. 13.
