For nearly three decades, Carter Emmart, the director of astro-visualization at the American Museum of Natural History's Hayden Planetarium, has captivated audiences with stunning displays of the cosmos. As he prepares to embark on his next journey, Emmart reflects on his transformative role at the museum.
With a flair for the theatrical, the 64-year-old Emmart has crafted planetarium experiences that transport visitors across time and space, from witnessing supernovae to navigating the mysteries of dark matter. His engaging style, characterized by a colorful aesthetic of shoulder-length hair, beads, and blue astronaut jumpsuits, has become synonymous with the Hayden Planetarium.
The digital universe he and his team have designed combines data from space probes and telescopes around the globe, allowing millions of visitors to explore alien terrains, collide with galaxies, and appreciate the vastness of our own Milky Way galaxy. His work has featured high-profile narrators, including Tom Hanks and Neil deGrasse Tyson, and has reached institutions across 40 countries.
As Emmart shares a final intimate tour of his digital cosmos, the atmosphere is both celebratory and bittersweet. His last show, "Encounters in the Milky Way," opened on June 9, 2025, serving as a capstone for his illustrious career. As summer approaches, Emmart plans to retire to Thailand, seeking a quieter life amidst the beauty of nature. "I’m looking forward to being in nature with the peace and quiet," he remarked, closing a chapter on his remarkable voyage through the stars.
