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AN out-of-this-world experience is to be available in Glasgow with the opening of Scotland’s first full-dome digital platform.
Glasgow Science Centre (GSC) has crossed the final digital frontier with a £450,000 investment which will offer a fully immersive intergalactic space odyssey to visitors.
Opening its doors on September 5, the new system will take audiences on journeys through the solar system, the Milky Way and beyond, allowing for a deeper exploration of Earth’s place in space.
There are live presenter-led planetarium shows suitable for all ages, allowing GSC to engage with pupils at all stages of learning, along with family audiences and any visitors interested in space. There is also a programme of evening lectures and night classes for adult learners.
As well as live presenter-led astronomy shows, the new system can show spectacular full-dome films. In contrast to a cinema screen, the films will be displayed 360° across the 15-metre hemispherical dome of the planetarium, giving a complete immersive experience.
Google’s Back to the Moon for Good, narrated by Tim Allen – the voice of Buzz Lightyear in Disney’s Toy Story– will be among the first full-dome films shown at the planetarium.
The planetarium was closed for nine-and-a-half weeks this summer while the refurbishment works were taking place, which also included a revamp of the area outside of the planetarium, with new exhibitions about space and the solar system installed for visitors.
INSPIRING
IN its previous form, the planetarium had the Earth as the centre of the universe – the way it was thought of in the Middle Ages before scientists like Galileo and Copernicus proved this was wrong.
Now the digital upgrade has brought the planetarium up to the modern age, allowing visitors to see the universe in three dimensions and be “transported” to any point in the known universe.
It is hoped the system will herald exciting new possibilities and encourage young people to consider a career in science and engineering in general and the space industry in particular.
“Scotland already plays a growing role in the UK’s space sector and we believe that this endeavour will create a new generation of space enthusiasts and innovators who can contribute to the government’s vision of a £40 billion industry by 2030,” said Dr Stephen Breslin, GSC chief executive.
“Our guided explorations through space will provide visitors with a deeper understanding of space and we hope will inspire a new generation of young people to consider their future in the space industry. It is vital that we continue to attract young people into science and engineering and the investment in this interactive way of learning is one way to reach them.”
He added: “I’m sure at some point everyone has looked up into the night sky and wondered ‘what is up there?’. From those who grew up with the moon landings through to the modern day explorations of the Mars Rover missions – space exploration has captured the imaginations of millions.
“This significant investment by Glasgow Science Centre will enable us to transport visitors around the cosmos in a way that will capture the imaginations of young and old. Never before have Scots been able to land on the Moon or the surface of Mars; to soar through the rings of Saturn or see new planets as they are discovered.”
BUZZ FACTOR
THE team of dedicated astronomers at the centre is headed by Steve Owens who has been attracted back after five years as the world’s only dark skies consultant. He previously worked at the planetarium before leaving in 2008 to become the UK manager for the International Year of Astronomy and says the upgrade will provide visitors with a completely new experience which will “blow their socks off”.
“I am so excited to introduce the new digital system to all GSC visitors,” he said. “The upgrade has truly transformed our planetarium allowing us to take our audience to the edge of the known universe, to planets around alien stars, and to anywhere in our own solar system.”
In a traditional planetarium, visitors sit looking up at the stars just as they appear in the night sky but the new system feels more like being on a rocket exploring space.
“There is a tremendous buzz factor because it is as if you are on a space ship,” said Owens. “The screen effectively goes all around so it is much more dramatic than looking at a video as the stars and solar system are all around you. You can see the Earth as you fly to the moon in seconds or fly out to the rings of Saturn.”
The new system can be constantly updated with the latest images from space which means the presenters can take the audience through each new scientific discovery.
“A wow factor is the international space station – we can fly up to it, pan around it and view it from any angle. It is the biggest man-made satellite ever built and permanently manned. Coming up this year we will have the first British-born European-trained astronaut flying up to the station so we will cover that in December.”
Owens added: “I am delighted to come back – there has always been a very strong team here but for the first time it is a dedicated team of astronomers so we can explore space in much more detail and depth than ever before.”
Glasgow Science Centre is now taking phone bookings for the planetarium (0141 420 5000), which cost £2.50 in addition to the Science Mall entrance fee (£10.50 adult / £8.50). For the first time, GSC will offer visitors a planetarium only ticket for the last show of the day which will cost £5.50.
For more information, visit www.glasgowsciencecentre.org
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