NEW YORK—“Seeing,” a 22-minute, full-immersion planetarium program that teaches how human vision works has been made available as a free download to planetariums through the International Planetarium Society (IPS). The planetarium program is part of the Sight project, which includes “Sight: The Story of Vision,” a one-hour film, covering the science, technology and medical aspect of vision, which debuted this fall on PBS stations in 17 major markets.

“Seeing! A Photon’s Journey Through Space, Time, and Mind,” underwritten by Zeiss Vision Care, follows the creation of a photon and its journey across the galaxy to a young stargazer’s eye. The program uses hemispheric 2D and 3D animations and video to illustrate how human vision works. Imagery from all over the world, including humanity, landscapes, skyscapes, wildlife and outer space, serves as the backdrop for the photo-realistic animations.

“Narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, this film is a great learning event for all ages, from elementary school age to adult,” said Mark Mattison-Shupnick, education director for Jobson Medical Information. A workbook, written by Mattison-Shupnick is available for download for elementary and high school students attending a screening at the planetariums.

The film “Seeing” is now available as a free download to planetariums through IPS, which is the global association of planetarium professionals. Its nearly 800 members, from over 40 countries around the world,represent schools, colleges and universities, museums, and public facilities of all sizes including both fixed and portable planetariums.

“Seeing” was written and co-produced by “Sight: The Story of Vision” documentary filmmaker Kris Koenig. Robin Sip was director and co-producer of “Seeing.”

In addition to the documentary and the planetarium program, Sight: Story of Vision Second Screen App funded by Essilor, allows viewers to access additional content associated with the documentary. It is now available for download on the website.  And the producers have released an eBook as a companion piece to the documentary. The Sight eBook was underwritten by a grant from CooperVision.

The digital full-dome program is available for free to planetariums through Koenig Films, Mirage 3D and Zeiss. Any planetarium’s “domemaster” can access and download the film by going here. To find a planetarium in your geographic area and to request this program, click here. 

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