A few years ago, Jeff Gilkey mounted a GoPro Fusion 360 camera on the wingtip of his ultralight trike aircraft. He soon realized there was only one place that could adequately display these extremely immersive videos: the 55-foot planetarium dome at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science. With the collaboration of the planetarium staff, Jeff has created the ultimate aerial tour, revealing the obscure and scenic wonders of New Mexico and the Southwest.
For visitors to the Balloon Fiesta who don't have the opportunity to fly in a balloon during the week, this may be the next best thing! These special shows will only be presented on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of Balloon Fiesta Week (Oct 3, 5, 7) at 1 p.m. in the planetarium. Part 1 of the tour was shown in May 2022 at the planetarium to capacity crowds. Highlights of Part 2 include:
- Secret canyons and springs of the NM desert
- Valles Caldera and surrounding canyons
- Valleys and peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of NM and CO
- Mills Canyon on the Canadian River
- Shiprock Peak
- Rio Salado and Alamocito Creek
- Canyonland country of Southern Utah, including the San Juan Goosenecks, Monument Valley, Green River Canyon, and Goblin Valley
- Playas Lake and Cave Creek Canyon of the NM Bootheel region