After half a century of space exploration we're now suddenly faced with what has long been a staple of science fiction -- an orbiting junkyard of cast-off space debris.
With media headlines repeatedly warning us of debris falling from the skies, orbital debris, or "space junk," has finally risen to the forefront of social consciousness. But what is space junk? How did it get there? Just how big (and serious) is the problem?
Space Junk: An IMAX 3D Experience, narrated by Academy Award® Nominee Tom Wilkinson, is the first IMAX film to explore the exponentially expanding ring of debris that threatens the safety of our planet's orbits. Harnessing the magical imagery of IMAX 3D film, director Melissa Butts takes us soaring -- from the stunning depths of Meteor Crater to an unprecedented view of our increasingly crowded orbits, 22,000 miles above Earth.
On-screen, Don Kessler, (ret.) Head of NASA's Orbital Debris Office and the "Father of Space Junk," reaches back to the beginning of our solar system for understanding and guides us through the challenges we face in protecting our orbits for the future. At risk is the future of space exploration and the safety of the extensive satellite network that powers our modern day communication systems. This visually explosive journey of discovery weighs the solutions aimed at restoring Earth's orbits.
Fueling this story are stunning 3D images that transport the viewer by wrapping us in star fields and allowing us to witness massive collisions in space -- both natural and man-made -- as though we were in the center of the action. "Since no actual images exist of the most spectacular orbital debris events," explains Butts, " we set out to recreate them with scientific accuracy and mind-blowing visualization."
To accomplish this, Butts' team worked with the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) to create breathtaking 3D visualizations from scientific data. Those visualizations deliver a state-of-the-art, 3D visual effects experience on Michigan’s largest IMAX screen!
Click here to access the official web site for Space Junk: An IMAX 3D Experience.
Click here to download the official educator’s guide.
Tickets are available online at www.thehenryford.org/imax, or by phone through The Henry Ford Call Center (open 7 days a week, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm) 313-982-6001. Tickets can be mailed when reservations are made 2 weeks or more in advance. Tickets purchased less than 2 weeks in advance will be held at IMAX Will Call. Please park in the IMAX Theater lot on the west side of Henry Ford Museum. Parking is always FREE for IMAX-only guests.