You'll be able to explore the stars in real time when the James S. McDonnell PlanetariumPlanetarium reopens at the Science Center Saturday. The upgrades make this the largest and most advanced hybrid planetarium in the nation.
"We combine two different systems that work in harmony. We have the optimal Chiron projector the GOTO Chiron III that gives you that pin point stary sky. But then along with it we have that Digistar (Full-Dome Data Visualization) System. Some places may have one or the other but it is more uncommon to see them working in tandem together to be able to give the best of both worlds," Planetarium Manager Will Snyder explains.
Planetarium Manager Will Snyder talking with KMOX's Megan Lynch
According to the Science Center, the upgrades to the McDonnell Planetarium include:
- A GOTO Chiron III Hybrid Star Projector (the first of its kind to be installed in the United States) to elevate the Planetarium team’s astronomy programming by connecting guests with the unparalleled beauty of the night sky, free from modern light pollution. As the world’s most advanced optomechanical star projector, the Chiron III recreates more than 100 million stars and hundreds of deep-sky objects visible anywhere on Earth in unprecedented detail.
- A Cosm Digistar Full-Dome Data Visualization System to expand the programming offered through photorealistic imagery with real-time access. High-resolution projectors present 360-degree immersive visuals to land on planets within our solar system, fly to the edge of the observable universe and illustrate up-to-the-minute geospatial data; broadcast immersive presentations, 3D models and live current events; and connect with more than 700 other planetariums and museums for lectures and presentations around the globe.
- An upgraded sound system within the Orthwein StarBay, featuring a 22,000-watt, surround-sound sytem to create a full 360-degree immersive experience.
- The first Auracast Hearing Assistance system in a public venue around the St. Louis Metropolitan Area.
- A unique, new entry experience.
- Newly developed live shows within the Orthwein StarBay, exclusively available to Planetarium guests (and free for Science Center members).
