14 June 2010
Posted in Dr. Phillips CineDome

The word “Teahupo’o” may not strike fear into a layperson. It may not command the admiration and desire that it necessarily deserves. And yet, when uttered to the likes of nine-time world champion surfer Kelly Slater or Tahitian native Raimana Van Bastolaer, “Teahupo’o” means only one thing: respect.

Teahupo’o is home to what many consider the most dangerous and perfect wave to be found anywhere. In fact, its origin, strength and power are examined in the large format film, Ultimate Wave: Tahiti, premiering June 19 at the Orlando Science Center. The film explores the wave, as well as the Tahitian culture surrounding the buildup of the wave. But guests make no mistake when told this wave rests at one of the most sought-after beaches in the entire world; they know this wave is a beast.

14 June 2010
Posted in Dr. Phillips CineDome

Kelly Slater is one of the few names from the tight-knit surfing community to reach beyond the ears of the hardcore surfing fan. The Florida grown surfer is known to the world for his unsurpassed nine world championships, laid-back attitude and rugged good looks. But what many don’t know is that Slater’s biggest impact comes from saving the waves, rather than conquering them.

Through The Kelly Slater Foundation, Slater is one of the worlds leading advocates in ocean protection and ecological and scientific understanding. His devotion has always been to the ocean, and his influence attracts those sharing a concern for the ocean’s ecosystems.

Slater’s admiration for the science behind the waves is no more apparent than in his starring role in the film Ultimate Wave: Tahiti, showing at the Orlando Science Center. With the help of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the film demonstrates how communities and people far from the ocean shore are affected by the ocean’s interplay within our ecosystem. Slater’s hands-on wave experience, coupled with the NOAA’s scientific insight provides a unique way for everybody to get on board and save the waves.

Ultimate Wave: Tahiti premieres at Cocktails & Cosmos, Saturday June 19.

07 June 2010
Posted in Press and Media

Orlando Science Center's Rock N' Roll Laser Light Shows Return

Every Saturday Night, June 12 - August 21

Tickets are $13 and include admission to exhibits and observatory

Orlando, FL - (June 7, 2010) - Are You Experienced? If you’ve got the Money to have a Wonderful Tonight, then the Orlando Science Center has your dose of that Old Time Rock and Roll. Light and sound will merge for an unforgettable rock n roll experience as laser light shows return for a limited engagement this summer. Featuring a lineup of rockin’ tunes backed by 28,000 watts of stereo sound and laser effects, these shows will blast through the Science Center’s Dr. Phillips CineDome every Saturday night until August 21.

Experience legendary sounds with a full color laser show from LightWave International. This year, the lineup includes two new shows: an 80’s mix featuring hits by Guns N Roses, U2 and Michael Jackson and a classic rock compilation with songs by Bob Seger, Queen, and The Doors. The schedule is rounded out by a Beatles laser show and the return of perennial favorite Pink Floyd with the iconic Dark Side of the Moon.

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Written by Jimmy Waldron | 01 June 2010
Posted in DinoDigs

It’s a great time for paleontology. I know, I’m the first guy to say “It’s always a great time for paleontology” but believe me, this time, it’s a great time for Paleontology!

In the last few weeks, we’ve made incredible leaps and bounds in our understanding of the natural world. Scientists in Canada, Australia, and Japan successfully cloned blood protein from a Siberian Wooly Mammoth, bringing us one step closer to successfully cloning an extinct animal (The Pyrenean Ibex, an extinct goat, was cloned in 2009, but did not survive.) Scientists are optimistic, some predicting oogenesis (living embryos) in the next two years, and giant fuzzy elephants in zoos in less than five years!

I know, right? But sit down, there’s more.

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Written by Jimmy Waldron | 01 June 2010
Posted in DinoDigs

STAN the T. rex is a truly spectacular display that you can only see in DinoDigs... Or Indianapolis... Or London... Or California... Or Arizona... Or Japan.

What gives? How can the same dinosaur be in so many places at once?

(Originally posted June 6, 2009) - Dinosaur fossils are fragile pieces of the puzzle of Earth's history. When we do find them (and it is tough - even if you know where to look) they are often broken up or missing pieces. Even STAN was missing about 30% of his skeleton when he was discovered. How do scientists bring them back for us to view in museums around the world?

We make copies! (or Casts, as we call them!) It's okay, because if scientists didn't do that, the whole world would only have about 3 or 4 complete T. rex skeletons altogether (and a ton of spare parts!)

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28 May 2010
Posted in Dr. Phillips CineDome

Here's a fun activity courtesy of NOAA and the folks at Ultimate Wave: Tahiti.  Don't forget, the film premieres here on June 19!