5:30-6:00 pm– Enjoy the the new exhibit Sci-Fi & Sci-Fact

6:00-6:30 pm – Short talk in the Planetarium about the fact and fiction in this film

6:30-8:00 pm – Film screening in the Planetarium

The Museum’s Science Fiction or Fact? Film Series is back! Science Fiction or Fact? is a family-friendly film series focused on science-fiction blockbusters, familiar old classics, and everything in between. Before each film, an educator, scientist, or special guest will discuss a few aspects of the film.

Experience your favorite classic movies like never before as we project them on the domed screen of the 55-foot NMMNHS Planetarium. On July 11, join us for the classic from the 1950's: Forbidden Planet.

About the film: Forbidden Planet (1956). This film was the beginning of many aspects of science fiction today. According to reviewers, it was the first science fiction film to depict humans traveling in a man-made, faster-than-light “starship” and a definite precursor in its ideas and format to the original Star Trek series. It was the first to be set entirely on a planet in another Solar System; and featured one of the first film robots to display a personality and be a true supporting character. The film was also groundbreaking as the very first of any film to use entirely electronic music.

Forbidden Planet's effects team was nominated at that year’s Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects.