Planetarium Renovation at SCSU

Tuesday, September 11th, 2007 at 03:26 PM by Dave

The SCSU Planetarium has undergone a renovation this summer. The old star projector was 35 years old and based on technology from the 50’s and 60’s. The new projector is a state-of-the-art projection system. It is capable of projecting 8,500 stars, more than double what the old projector could do. The new projector can illustrate 24 constellations instead of the 2 constellations the old one could project.

The star field is very realistic with stars that are small pin points, not like the round blobs of light the old projector would give us. Consequently, the dome had to be exchanged with a new dome with smaller ventilation holes. Additionally, new lighting and a sound system were installed. An automation controller was added to augment the auxiliary projectors and merge music, voice, and images together to make a complete planetarium package.

With this new system installed we are taking reservations for groups at:

http://www.stcloudstate.edu/physics/planetarium_sched.asp

We also have our Astronomy Public Nights which are given the first two weeks of November. Reservations can be made in the beginning of October at:

http://www.stcloudstate.edu/physics/planetarium_public.asp

To see images of the renovation please go to:

http://web.stcloudstate.edu/dlwilliams/Planetarium%20Renovation.htm

We hope you make an effort to see this new facility at St. Cloud State University.

Clear skies to you all!

Posted in Astronomy News

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