FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 10, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Cody Hefner, (513) 608-5777, chefner@cincymuseum.org
Scientists play the role of hero against planet-destroying asteroids in newest OMNIMAX® film
Asteroid Hunters opens at Cincinnati Museum Center Aug. 19
CINCINNATI – Cincinnati Museum Center’s newest OMNIMAX® film provides an out-of-this-world glimpse at some life-saving science. The IMAX® original film Asteroid Hunters, narrated by Daisy Ridley, ventures into deep space for a fascinating look at asteroids, their cosmic origins and the potential threat they pose to our world. Asteroid Hunters crashes into CMC’s OMNIMAX® Theater on August 19.
Far from any quarter-cued arcade game, Asteroid Hunters introduces new heroes in a cosmic struggle of hide and seek. Asteroid scientists – the best line of defense between Earth and an asteroid’s destructive path – reveal the cutting-edge tools and techniques they use to detect and track asteroids, and the technology that may one day protect our planet.
“The idea of a major asteroid strike is more than just a science fiction story. The threat of an asteroid hitting the Earth is decreasing as we move farther in time from the creation of the solar system over 4 billion years ago but the recent dedication of astronomers to sweeping the skies for potential problems reveals that we are not out of the woods yet,” said Dave Duszynski, president of Mercury Museum Services, a subsidiary of Cincinnati Museum Center. “Asteroid Hunters presents this cataclysmic threat and the innovative ways in which scientists are fighting back in an immersive journey into space like only our domed OMNIMAX® theater can deliver.”
The effects of an asteroid impact could be catastrophic (just ask the dinosaurs) and while the current probability of an event in our lifetime is low, the potential consequences make the study of asteroids an incredibly important area of scientific research. Asteroid Hunters showcases the latest in planetary defense and how science, ingenuity, engineering and determination combine to explore the world’s most preventable natural disaster.
Asteroid Hunters opens August 19 in the OMNIMAX® Theater. Visit cincymuseum.org/asteroid-hunters for tickets and showtimes.
After watching the film, you can also explore the drastic consequences of an Earth-asteroid collision in the Dinosaur Hall or learn more about the past and future of space exploration in the Neil Armstrong Space Exploration Gallery, presented by the Harold C. Schott Foundation.
Asteroid Hunters was written and produced by Phil Groves, produced by Jini Durr and directed by W.D. Hogan. It was filmed using IMAX® cameras and mixed in immersive IMAX® 12.0 channel sound. Utilizing awe-inspiring images and heart-pounding audio for a fully immersive experience, IMAX®’s Asteroid Hunters surrounds guests in the domed Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX® Theater as they explore our solar system and how science, knowledge and communication can be powerful enough to save the planet.
Asteroid Hunters has a runtime of 38 minutes and is presented by IMAX® in association with Huahuang Pictures.
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About Cincinnati Museum Center
Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) at Union Terminal is a nationally recognized, award-winning institution housed in a National Historic Landmark. CMC is a vital community resource that sparks curiosity, inspiration, epiphany and dialogue. CMC was awarded the 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums in 2012, one of a select few museums in the nation to receive both honors. Organizations within CMC include the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, Children’s Museum, Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX® Theater, Cincinnati History Library and Archives and the Geier Collections and Research Center. Housed in historic Union Terminal – a National Historic Landmark restored in 2018 and recognized as the nation’s 45th most important building by the American Institute of Architects – CMC welcomes more than 1.8 million visits annually, making it one of the most visited museums in the country. For more information, visit www.cincymuseum.org.
About Champion More Curiosity
The $85 million Champion More Curiosity campaign is shaping Cincinnati Museum Center’s future while creating generations of critical thinkers to power the innovation of our region. By Championing More Curiosity and helping build the future of Cincinnati Museum Center, you can fuel the economic prosperity of our region. Champion More Curiosity will build or reimagine over a dozen permanent exhibits and galleries and equip state-of-the-art labs for cutting-edge research for students from elementary grades to post-docs. Today’s wide-eyed explorers will be tomorrow’s innovators. We work shoulder-to-shoulder to engage our community in monumental moments of epiphany, wonder and connection. As we inspire all generations to learn, grow and thrive at Cincinnati Museum Center, we Champion More Curiosity. Consider making a lifelong impact by donating in support of Championing More Curiosity at www.supportcmc.org.
About IMAX®
IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, IMAX DMR®, Experience It In IMAX®, An IMAX 3D Experience®, The IMAX Experience®, IMAX Is Believing® and IMAX nXos® are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information about the Company can be found at www.imax.com. You may also connect with IMAX on Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), Twitter (www.twitter.com/imax) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).
About Huahuang Pictures
Huahuang Pictures (Suzhou) Co. Ltd. is a professional film and television production and investment company. So far it has post-produced more than 500 films. Its business scope includes film investment and production, overseas film rights acquisition, translation and distribution, TV program production, investment in related cultural projects and film consumer products manufacturing and distribution.