The Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium recently premiered its first original short film, marking a new chapter in immersive science storytelling at ݮƵ.

“The Last Symphony of Light,” which debuted at a May 16 event, is a seven-and-a-half-minute film that explores the distant future across billions — and even trillions — of years, said Eric Edelman, director of the planetarium at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus. Created with internationally recognized studio , the production is designed in the immersive “fulldome” format, surrounding audiences with cinematic visuals and orchestral sound across the planetarium’s domed theater.

“When asked about the importance of planetarium programming like this, I took it to the extreme. ‘Why do we need science, and why do we need conversations about science?’” Edelman said. “This short film is my answer to that question.”

The film examines cosmic events such as the eventual death of the sun and the long-term evolution of the universe. It also explores how science and technological progress may shape humanity’s long-term survival among the stars.

“It is a subject that can be scary, but we’re trying to portray it from a position of optimism and excitement,” Edelman said.

The film, intended for distribution to other planetariums and science centers, also serves as a proof of concept for larger productions, including a planned feature-length version of “The Last Symphony of Light.”

Juan Felipe Orozco Cano, creative director for Double Dome Films, said the project reflects the growing evolution of planetariums into immersive artistic and scientific spaces. The production uses high 8K resolution visuals, surround sound and a soundtrack recorded at Vienna Synchron Stage in Austria, one of the world’s premier orchestral recording facilities.

“Planetariums are no longer just centers for scientific communication, but have become stages where science, art and emotion converge into a unique collective experience,” he said.

University officials are now exploring the development of a Fulldome Student Research and Production Lab beginning in the 2026–27 academic year. The initiative would provide students opportunities to participate in visualization, animation, scientific storytelling and immersive media production.

At the film’s premiere, Steve Bobinsky, assistant vice president of philanthropy for Embry-Riddle’s Western Region, connected the project to the university’s campaign, which supports innovation, student success and hands-on learning opportunities.

“This short feature is a wonderful example of what is possible,” Bobinsky said. “It shows how the planetarium can become more than a place where audiences experience science. It can also become a place where students help create those experiences.”

The original film project was supported by the planetarium’s benefactors Jim and Linda Lee, whose philanthropy helped assemble an international creative team of visual artists, composers and filmmakers.

Edelman said the university plans to submit the film to several international fulldome film festivals and conferences throughout 2026, including events in Colorado, Germany, the Czech Republic and Japan.

“Our next step is to bring our flavor of programming to planetariums across the world,” he said.