Cinema Under the Stars: A Night of Cosmic Wonder
Join us on November 23rd for a celestial journey that celebrates the awe-inspiring beauty and mystery of the universe. This family-friendly event will take you from the familiar night sky to the furthest reaches of space, reminding us all of how small – and extraordinary – we are in the cosmic tapestry.
The evening will feature acclaimed astrologer and astrophysicist Eric Eubanks, whose expertise has been shared in renowned observatories around the world. Eric will begin with a live presentation on the current astrological events visible from Rutherford, NJ, offering an expert guide to what’s unfolding above us tonight.
Following the presentation, enjoy a captivating short documentary that delves into the vast marvels of space, exploring planetary formations, distant galaxies, and the phenomena that shape our universe. This immersive experience is designed to spark curiosity, inspire wonder, and leave you pondering humanity’s place within the boundless cosmos.
Bring your family, your questions, and your love for the stars – Cinema Under the Stars awaits!
Films to be screened and discussed:
"Apollo 11: Quarantine" (2021)
Director: Todd Douglas Miller
Synopsis: This 23-minute film uses rare archival footage to showcase the three weeks of quarantine endured by the Apollo 11 astronauts after their historic moon landing, blending historical fascination with the human side of space exploration.
"The Spacecraft That Came Home" (2017)
Director: Javier Diez
Synopsis: A 13-minute look at the return of the European Space Agency’s Rosetta probe, which orbited and landed on a comet, documenting one of humanity's most ambitious deep-space missions.
"The Mars Generation" (2017)
Director: Michael Barnett
Synopsis: A 16-minute short following teenagers in space camp training to one day journey to Mars, capturing the aspirations and excitement of a new generation inspired by the possibility of interplanetary travel.
"The Overview Effect" (2012)
Director: Guy Reid
Synopsis: This 19-minute documentary explores the life-changing experience of astronauts who’ve seen Earth from space, highlighting the profound mental and philosophical shift known as the "overview effect."
"Cosmic Debris" (2020)
Director: Nick Bragg
Synopsis: This 15-minute short dives into the world of space debris and the efforts to clear it, showcasing the impact of human activity in space and the challenges of keeping Earth’s orbit clean.
"A New View of the Moon" (2018)
Directors: Alex Gorosh & Wylie Overstreet
Synopsis: This 3-minute documentary follows a filmmaker showing strangers on the street a close-up view of the moon through a telescope, capturing genuine reactions to the beauty of the cosmos.
"One Small Step" (2019)
Director: Andrew Chesworth & Bobby Pontillas
Synopsis: Although animated, this 8-minute film about a young girl who dreams of becoming an astronaut has a documentary-like quality that beautifully captures the spirit of those inspired by space exploration.
"The Edge of All We Know" (2020)
Director: Peter Galison
Synopsis: A 15-minute short on the Event Horizon Telescope and the journey to capture the first-ever image of a black hole, focusing on the science and collaboration behind one of the biggest astrophysics achievements.
"Space X's Mars Dreams" (2020)
Director: Mike de Seve
Synopsis: This 12-minute film explores SpaceX's ambitious goals to colonize Mars, covering the technological advances and challenges of space travel as imagined by one of the most forward-thinking companies.
"Chasing the Moon" (2019) (Condensed Short Version)
Director: Robert Stone
Synopsis: A short adaptation from the original series that offers a fast-paced recap of the Apollo program, ideal for a glimpse into the intense competition of the space race.