400 Years of the Telescope
A journey of
science, technology and thought
Panoramic visuals, cutting-edge technologies and introspective
contemplations position 400 Years
of the Telescope as the must-see
cinematic feature for the International
Year of Astronomy in 2009.
Beautifully photographed in 4K resolution digital cinematography,
the film is a visually stunning chronicle of the history of the
telescope from the time of Galileo, its profound impact upon the
science of astronomy, and how both have shaped the way we view
ourselves in the midst of an infinite universe.
The Interstellar Studios production team
traveled the globe to interview leading astronomers and cosmologists
from the world’s
renowned universities and observatories. The producers sought the
most acute minds at great astronomical centers including the European
Southern Observatory, Institute for Astronomy, SETI Institute,
Space Telescope Science Institute, Anglo-Australian Observatory,
and Harvard University. They journeyed across five continents to
visually write the story of the past and the future of telescopes,
astronomy, and our ever-changing perception of the cosmos.
Compelling interviews throughout the film
leave no stone unturned. A carefully chosen array of today’s
leading astronomers explain
concepts ranging from Galileo’s act of revealing the
telescopic cosmos to humanity and challenging religious teachings
of the day, to the latest discoveries in space, including startling
new ideas about life on other planets and dark energy – a
mysterious vacuum energy that is accelerating the expansion of
the universe.
On the horizon, viewers learn of emergent
telescopes the size of stadiums. With unprecedented resolution and light gathering,
these enormous new instruments will look back to the initial moments
of the Big Bang and – like Galileo’s first telescopic
observations – will reshape our model of the universe.
Join us in 2009, to celebrate the International
Year of Astronomy with this transcendental television event.
The program will bring you closer to the heavens – and
to yourself. Please consult our Schedule for
dates and times.
