Stargazing April 1, 2025

Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” premiered on April 2, 1968. Far from April 1 foolishness, it was a complex, factually detailed foray into space, the likes of which had never been seen before. It was still a year before Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin would set foot on the moon. Blazing across a new widescreen format called Cinerama was a vision of the future. Things common today, widescreen televisions, an orbiting International Space Station, video communication across long distances, and inflight entertainment, were ideas meticulously researched by astronomical artists and aerospace engineers introduced for the first time.

One of the film’s iconic images is the red eye of HAL 9000. HAL is shown reading the lips of two astronauts who discovered HAL misfunctioning dangerously and pivotally plotting to save themselves. Artificial Intelligence was presented as fascinating and villainous. AI today is commonly part of daily life and a vital component in robotic exploration. The Martian rover Perseverance has AI systems supporting its exploratory mission. AI technology analyzes satellite imagery of Earth to assess the influences of climate change. Landing missions on the moon and deep space travel will rely on Artificial Intelligence.

Siri and Alexa, current AI voice assistants, have embedded a nod to the Sci-Fi film. If you request to “open the pod bay doors,” the programmed response will be HAL’s, “I’m sorry, I can’t do that.”

Are you as fascinated by the night sky as we are?

Join us for SkyWatch: Carnegie Science Center’s monthly opportunity to catch a glimpse of the stars with professional telescopes. Get a great view of the Pittsburgh skyline as you stargaze with other space enthusiasts. Plus, watch a feature show at the Buhl Planetarium and participate in fun, astronomy-themed activities.