Science Museum of Minnesota dives deep within Earth’s climate history with Ancient Caves Omnitheater film

Documentary makes world public premiere at William L. McKnight-3M Omnitheater March 6

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEBRUARY 14, 2020

Media Contacts: 
Karilyn Robinson, Marketing & PR Specialist, (651) 221-9412 

Saint Paul, Minn. – This spring, visitors to the Science Museum of Minnesota’s William L. McKnight-3M Omnitheater will experience the thrill of scientific discovery in places few will ever venture with the public world premiere of Ancient Caves on Friday, March 6, 2020 at 7 p.m.

Ancient Caves combines cutting edge science and bold exploration, shown as only the Omnitheater can with its 90-foot-domed screen, IMAX digital laser projection system, heart-pounding audio and crisp, colorful images. The film features paleoclimatologist Dr. Gina Moseley, who specializes in analyzing the chemical signatures in stalagmites for evidence of historical climate change. Because the drip waters were once connected with the atmosphere and Earth’s surface, information about temperature, moisture, and vegetation are locked into the cave deposits, creating an untold record of climate change for the cave’s region.

“Dr. Moseley’s research takes viewers into some of the most breathtaking caves around the world,” Mike Day, Ancient Caves executive producer at the Science Museum of Minnesota, said. “Viewers will be pulled into the center of the action so they’ll feel as if they’re swimming through the labyrinthine passages along with the cave diving team to hidden places that even IMAX cameras have never gone before.”

A local connection comes from Dr. Larry Edwards, an isotope geochemist at the University of Minnesota, who is analyzing the core samples collected by Dr. Moseley. Dr. Edwards has developed a technique that can help us glean information about climatic changes from hundreds of thousands of years in the past from these samples.

Ancient Caves is a Science Museum of Minnesota original production, in conjunction with the Giant Dome Theater Consortium and Oceanic Research Group Films, presented by MacGillivray Freeman Films. Narrated by popular actor Bryan Cranston and featuring the music of the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, the film debuts in theaters nationwide on March 13, 2020, but Science Museum visitors will get the first look at this compelling view of our planet’s changing climate starting March 6.

The Science Museum of Minnesota has a 113-year history of bringing science learning to life through hands-on exhibits, giant-screen films, and unparalleled educational opportunities that reach people in Minnesota and around the nation each year. For museum information, call (651) 221-9444 or visit www.smm.org.

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A preview for media will run at 9 a.m. on March 3. Featured scientist Dr. Gina Mosley will be in attendance and available for Q&A after the film. Media access will also be granted at a VIP screening March 4 at 6:30 p.m. Contact Karilyn Robinson to arrange access.