The starship on West 81st Street and Central Park West is losing its captain, Carter Emmart, who has directed astro-visualization at the American Museum of Natural History’s Hayden Planetarium for nearly three decades. Now 64 years old, Emmart has spent years curating a digital universe made from data and imagery sourced from space probes and telescopes across the globe. His creativity has birthed a series of captivating planetarium shows that transport audiences through time and space, revealing the cosmos's origins and its future possibilities.
With his signature look of shoulder-length hair, beads, and a blue astronaut jumpsuit that he wears to grand events, Emmart himself appears as if he stepped straight out of a science fiction tale. His office in Manhattan is a treasure trove of Barbies dressed in regional costumes, which he has used in design projects while traveling worldwide.
Throughout his career, millions have experienced the wonder of stars exploding, galaxies colliding, and clouds of interstellar dust swirling across the planetarium's dome. Emmart’s shows have featured narration by celebrities such as Tom Hanks, Robert Redford, and Whoopi Goldberg, along with Neil deGrasse Tyson, enhancing the audience's experience. These captivating planetarium shows have been showcased in 60 institutions across 40 different countries.
Recently, a fortunate group of viewers lay on the floor of the planetarium as Emmart personally guided them on a tour of his digital universe, offering insights into the moon’s craters and the dunes of Mars. His final show, titled "Encounters in the Milky Way," premiered on June 9, marking a significant culmination of his lifelong work. Emmart plans to retire to Thailand at the end of summer, seeking the tranquility of nature after years of starry adventures. "I’m looking forward to being in nature with the peace and quiet," he said.
