Announcing “Moonbase: The Next Step”

We are thrilled to unveil the headlining program for the upcoming school year at Southern Skies Planetarium: “Moonbase: The Next Step.”

Last year, many of you joined us for “Forward: To the Moon,” where we explored the inspiring goals of NASA’s Artemis Program and the renewed ambition to return humans to the lunar surface. As we look ahead to the new school year, it only felt natural to take that next giant leap with you.

If “Forward: To the Moon” was about the journey, “Moonbase: The Next Step” is about the destination.

The Story of a New Era

Since that historic day on July 21, 1969, humanity has dared to dream of more than just a footprint—we have dreamed of a home among the stars. After two decades of continuous human presence aboard the International Space Station, we are ready to move farther into the solar system.

In the next ten years, that dream will become reality. We are heading back to the Moon to develop a sustained, strategic presence near the lunar South Pole. It will serve as our first “staging post,” bringing Mars and the rest of our solar system tantalizingly closer.

What to Expect

“Moonbase: The Next Step” is an immersive exploration of this bold human endeavor. Designed specifically for the 360° Fulldome format, this show pushes the boundaries of science and technology. Students will:

• Experience the Hostile Frontier: Discover the science required to survive reduced gravity, extreme temperature fluctuations, and toxic lunar dust.
• Witness the Innovation: Learn how we plan to extract water and minerals, grow food, and build a permanent base in one of the most challenging environments imaginable.
• Share the Wonder: Experience the awe, danger, and trepidation of a mission that will define the next generation of space exploration.

Prepare your students for a breath-taking lunar experience that turns the science fiction of the past into the scientific reality of the future.

See the trailer at:https://youtu.be/AIxidTtCp4I?si=Mozy2RqQTTzh7gN1