Outer space is, well, a really, really big place. And while we don't yet have our own Starfleet to go cruising around the galaxy, that hasn't stopped us from looking around from our tiny spot among the stars. One of the most significant tools in obtaining this knowledge is the Hubble, the world's first space-based optical telescope. Since its launch in 1990, this orbiting magnifying glass has beamed hundreds of thousands of images back to Earth, shedding light on all kinds of astronomical mysteries, determining the age of the universe, the identity of quasars and the existence of dark energy. Plus, the pictures are just plain cool. To celebrate the amazing discoveries of the Hubble Telescope, the Science Museum of Virginia holds a special planetarium show Friday, May 15, at 6 p.m. Free with $9 admission. 2500 W. Broad St. 864-1400. — Mike Hilleary