Presented by eResearch SA
@ 3D Visualisation Lab
TUESDAY 6th March (until March 22)

Making its second appearance at the Adelaide Fringe (after a sold out season in 2011) The Journey Home, presented by eResearch SA, is an animated, 3D movie which takes viewers on a full colour, high definition tour of our solar system. The film begins with an introduction to each planet, exploring features such as their individual appearance, their atmospheres, and how they compare to Earth and each other. It also examines the types of technology (past and present) being used in space exploration and poses questions about the future of exploration and the possibility of life beyond Earth.

The Journey Home was created using images captured by space probes Voyager, Cassini (which is still in orbit around Saturn) and Mariner 10 (which was the first probe to visit Mercury). This combined with the film’s use of sweeping long shots and close ups provides viewers with a realistic view of each planet. You will see every crater on the moon and be able to marvel at the beauty of Saturn’s famed rings, all brought to life with vivid colours and stunning imagery.

Adelaide University’s Visualisation Lab plays host to this production and provides an intimate setting for an evening of space exploration. With a seating capacity of about 35 people, the air conditioned room provides audience members with enough open space to sit comfortably and 3D glasses are given at the door.

The 3D element of this film was amazing and from my seat in the front row I truly felt like I could reach out and touch the planets. I really enjoyed being able to view the planets from multiple angles as they rotated on the screen and it was fascinating to watch asteroids drift by, or see smaller planetary moons complete their orbit.

“What we try to do with the 3D element is to try to give a sense that these are real worlds” said Dr Padric McGee, who developed and narrates the film. The ‘reality’ of these planets is what makes the film so appealing. From their mountainous terrain to their far stretching trenches and frozen lakes it was a real treat to be able to view the planets as more than a 2D computer generated object.

Originally designed for younger, school aged audiences ‘The Journey Home’ uses clear, concise language (evenly broken by dramatic pauses or scores of majestic music) to present detailed information about the solar system to the audience without overloading them with facts –  making for an enjoyable viewing experience regardless of your age. A variety of planets and concepts are explored throughout the one hour presentation, and the film’s smooth transition from one topic to another helps maintain audience interest.

Dr McGee is clearly passionate about this topic and his willingness to share his knowledge really encourages you to explore the ideas presented in this film further in the Question and Answer session which follows the presentation. While he acknowledges that people would have their own motivations for wanting to learn more about our solar system, Dr McGee believes there is one shared result that can come from space exploration.

“I think that knowing more about what the other planets are like allows us to see how our planet is unique” said Dr McGee, “The fact that there is no other planet in our solar system like Earth. It is the only place (at the moment) where we can live. It helps us to appreciate the fact that earth is our home and it’s our only home”.  I certainly left with a deeper understanding of the complexity of and appreciation for the beauty of our solar system. Whether you’re a keen astronomer or merely curious about space and the worlds beyond ours ‘The Journey Home’ is a fun and informative exploration of our solar system.