Birth of Planet Earth

Birth of Planet Earth tells the story of our home planet, answering the age-old question: how did our planet come to support life?

Going back billions of years to the Milky Way galaxy, this astronomy show employs advanced data-driven, cinematic-quality visualizations to explore some of the biggest questions in science today: How did we become a living planet, and what does history tell us about finding other life in the universe among a billion other Earth-size planets scientists believe exist today?

Uncover what it took to achieve planet Earth’s wonder, and how the aftershocks of a supernova, the violence of Jupiter, a chance collision with the proto-planet Theia, the gift of a moon, and water combined to make life possible.

Birth of Planet Earth was produced by Spitz Creative Media, NCSA’s Advanced Visualization Lab, Thomas Lucas Productions, Inc., in association with Tellus Science Museum. The project is supported by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, and was funded in part by the National Science Foundation.

*Please check our hours and schedule to confirm availability before your visit.

Book your group adventure today and have your class see Birth of Planet Earth on our 76-foot Dome screen! With discounted group rates, groups have the opportunity to schedule exclusive featured shows on Virginia’s largest movie screen.

Groups can add a Dome feature to their visit for just $4 per person. Click here to learn more about our Group Visit Policies.

Looking to connect Birth of Planet Earth to your curriculum? Check out this educator's guide for some ideas!

This feature is recommended for grades 6–12 and corresponds with the following SOLs:

• 6th Grade: 2, 3 and 6
• Earth Science: 2, 5 and 7