This summer will mark the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, the first successful manned mission to land on the moon. On July 20, 1969, American astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first human to step on the moon. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science will present several events and programs related to space exploration. Tickets are required for all events, unless otherwise indicated. Visit dmns.org.

GATES PLANETARIUM – NEW SHOWS

IMAGINE THE MOON
The moon has always stirred creativity, imagination and ingenuity, inspiring us to push into the solar system and understand the mysteries of the universe. In the new planetarium show “Imagine the Moon,” beautiful photography and digital visualizations on the giant dome place the moon in a whole new light, as you explore humanity’s epic relationship with Earth’s only natural satellite. From Galileo’s earliest insights to the triumph of the Apollo 11 landing to the cutting-edge science of today, you’ll be newly moonstruck by our companion in the sky. “Imagine the Moon” was produced by the Adler Planetarium, Chicago.

COMCAP GO! THE APOLLO STORY
Follow the footsteps of history in “CAPCOM Go! The Apollo Story,” an immersive documentary showcasing what it took to put the first humans on the moon. On July 20, 1969, more than 600 million people watched the Apollo 11 landing and witnessed a monumental achievement, broadcasted live from Earth’s only natural satellite. “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” said astronaut Neil Armstrong as he walked across the moon. The moment captivated the world, yet few people were aware of the effort it took to reach it. The Apollo 11 astronauts were just two of nearly 400,000 people who worked more than 10 years toward this goal. How did they possibly do it? In this new show — named CAPCOM for the capsule communicator at mission control — watch the story unfold on the dome, celebrating the explorers, designers, engineers, thinkers and dreamers of yesterday and inspiring those of tomorrow.

PHIPPS IMAX THEATER

APOLLO 11: FIRST STEPS EDITION
Now showing • showtimes and ticket prices vary     
Commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing with “Apollo 11: First Steps Edition,” a special IMAX version of Todd Douglas Miller’s thrilling documentary, showcasing the real-life moments of the famed mission. Using never-before-seen footage and a newly discovered trove of audio recordings, the filmmakers reconstructed the Apollo 11 story in astonishing detail. Experience the exhilarating final moments of preparation, countdown, liftoff, landing and return of this historic mission that united the world for one of humankind’s greatest achievements. This documentary film runs 47 minutes and is presented in 2D.

HOLLYWOOD FAVORITES: FIRST MAN 2D
Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays, June 27 – July 20 • 7:30 p.m. • member: $7 adult, $6 child/junior •  nonmember, $9.95 adult, $7.95 child/junior 
“First Man” is feature-length film exploring the life of astronaut Neil Armstrong and the legendary space mission that led him to become the first man to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969. Starring Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy and directed by Oscar winner Damien Chazelle.

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VR ARCADE

Now open • daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. • dmns.org/vrarcade • special ticket required, purchase onsite only
Come on in, jump on board, and have some fun in “VR Arcade”! This “pop-up” experience uses virtual reality (VR) technology that lets you explore wherever your curiosity leads. Featuring individual experiences and a four-person Virtual Reality Transporter ride. Some age and height restrictions apply.

SCFD COMMUNITY FREE DAY
June 2 • 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. • FREE

Enjoy your Museum favorites and special family-friendly activities to celebrate space science and exploration, as well as free admission to “Our Senses: Creating Your Reality” and reduced admission to “Leonardo da Vinci: 500 Years of Genius.”

NEW OFFSITE EXPERIENCE: MARS OUTPOST

Opens June 22
The Museum’s newest offsite experience, Mars Outpost play area, opens at Colorado Mills on June 22.

Building on the success of Dinosaur Gulch at Cherry Creek Shopping Center, the Museum collaborated with Playtime, LLC, to design the indoor, space-themed play area, in coordination with Colorado Mills, a Simon shopping center located in west metro Denver. With planets orbiting overhead, Mars Outpost features a Mars-scape, where kids climb through a rocket-turned-habitat that “landed” on the Red Planet, use a telescope to view the planets above, plan what to pack for life on Mars, explore interactive screens that encourage wonder about our universe, and more. Admission is free. Presented with generous support from the Sexton Family Foundation.

MOON RUSH: THE NEW SPACE RACE (lecture)
July 9 • 7 p.m. • Phipps Theater • $12 member, $15 nonmember
The race to the moon is on again! In his new book “Moon Rush: The New Space Race,” veteran space journalist Leonard David explores our enduring fascination with the moon, from ancient myth to plans for a future “Moon Village.” David offers insider information about how the United States, its allies and competitors, and key private corporations, such as Moon Express and Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin, plan to reach, inhabit and even harvest the moon in the decades to come. Spurred on by the Google Lunar XPRIZE — $20 million for the first to get to the moon and send back images — the 21st-century space race has become even more compelling. David’s reporting and accompanying maps, graphics and photographs shed new light on our constant lunar companion, offering reasons to gaze up and see it as never before.

SCI-FI FILM SERIES
July 10, 17, 24, 31, Aug. 7, 14 • 7 p.m. • $12 Museum or DFS member, $15 nonmember, $8 student (per film) • Series pass: $55 Museum or DFS member, $70 non member
A summertime favorite is back! Various Museum scientists are joined by Vincent Piturro, professor of film and media studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver, to host screenings of famous sci-fi films and lead discussions to break down the science behind these alternative possibilities. Presented in partnership with the Denver Film Society.
July 10 • “Contact” with space scientist Naomi Pequette • Phipps Theater
July 17 • “Donnie Darko” with space scientist Ka Chun Yu• Sie Film Center
July 24 • “Get Out” with Dr. Ella Maria Ray, Metropolitan State University • Ricketson Auditorium
July 31 • “Jurassic Park” with paleontologist Joe Sertich • Phipps Theater
Aug. 7 • “Prospect” with space scientist Steve Lee • Phipps Theater
Aug. 14 • “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” with health scientist Nicole Garneau • Sie Film Center

FAMILY PROGRAM: TO THE MOON AND BACK
July 11 • 6 p.m. • member: $20 adult, $15 junior/child • nonmember: $25 adult, $20 junior/child
Come fly with us as we celebrate one of humankind’s greatest achievements—landing on the moon! At this out-of-this-world event, enjoy dinner in the Museum, learn about our planet’s only natural satellite with interactive activities, look at the moon through high-power telescopes (weather permitting) and enjoy moon-themed shows in Gates Planetarium. This will be one small evening out for families, and one giant leap for your moon know-how.

SCIENCE LOUNGE: MOON MAYHEM
July 18 • 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. • $13 member, $15 nonmember
Enjoy a mind-expanding experience with cocktails and entertainment the third Thursday of the month. For ages 21 and up. This month, strap on your moon shoes and get ready to explore the lunar surface. Build a rocket and shoot for the moon. Get the history on lunar missions, then see the planetarium show “Imagine the Moon.”

FIRST STEPS CELEBRATION
July 20 • 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Commemorate one giant leap in human spaceflight with special activities and presentations in the Museum’s “Space Odyssey” exhibition. Event included with Museum admission.

PLANETARIUM PROGRAM: DIGITAL MOON
Aug. 13 • 7 p.m. • Gates Planetarium • $8 member, $10 nonmember
Take a trip to the moon with space scientists Dr. Steve Lee and Dr. Ka Chun Yu to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. Using the full dome of Gates Planetarium, visit the sites where lunar landers have touched down. Look back through the history of lunar missions and look forward to moon missions to come.