Messengers of Time and Space

Learn How Astronomers Unravel Cosmic Mysteries

The stars in the sky may seem constant from night to night, but careful observations reveal a wealth of dynamic and fleeting events. From distant supernova explosions to hazardous asteroids speeding through the Solar System, the Universe is changing every moment.

Modern astronomical surveys can detect up to 10 million changes in the sky every night, alerting astronomers to the most interesting events within minutes so they can rush to collect additional observations in hopes of making a new discovery!

To fully understand what these messengers have to tell us, astronomers use telescopes such as the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and the International Gemini Observatory to look for the source of the signals, connecting them to stars, galaxies or dramatic events like neutron star collisions.

Messengers of Time and Space highlights how these observatories work together to monitor the night sky for exciting astronomical events that change with time, revealing new cosmic mysteries. Explore the dynamic cosmos and witness the transformative impact of real-time data on our understanding of the Universe.

Released in May 2025, Messengers of Time and Space was made possible through a grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). The 30-minute film is followed by a live astronomy program facilitated by a Science Museum astronomy educator.

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

Book your group adventure today and have your class see Messengers of Time and Space on our nearly quarter-acre Dome screen!

With discounted rates, groups have the opportunity to schedule exclusive featured shows on Virginia’s largest screen.

Learn more about our group visit policies and adding a Dome feature to your visit.

Looking to connect Messengers of Time and Space to your curriculum? Explore the educator's guide for some ideas!

This feature is recommended for grade levels 4-6 and corresponds with the following SOLs:

4th Grade: 5

5th Grade: 3, 6, 7

6th Grade: 2 and 5

Physical Science: 6, 7 and 8

Earth Science: 2

Physics: 5 and 6