“At last, this is what we’ve been waiting for!”
That’s what visitor reaction has been to the dramatic planetarium update, according to Steve Fentress, director of Strasenburgh Planetarium,
The biggest “wow” of it all? “The moment we depart from Earth and you realize that Rochester is expanding underneath you. It’s a completely new experience,” said Fentress.
The Strasenburgh Planetarium, part of the Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC), has landed on a milestone anniversary — 50 years, having opened its doors in 1968.
The beloved community treasure celebrated its half-century birthday with its biggest renovation in its history. The transformed space and new technology were revealed publicly on January 12.
Let’s take a quick look back. So many Rochestarians have grown up taking school field trips to the Strasenburgh Planetarium. They have journeyed up the dark path into the Star Theater which revealed a giant 4-story dome. They sat reclined and watched the twinkling stars appear from the mighty Carl Zeiss star projector known simply as “Carl.”
The awe of deep space was revealed in a mind-blowing display. Many left energized with the thought of what could be beyond our solar system.
Deep space in real time
Planetarium visitors now have the opportunity for an even more intense experience thanks to
the centerpiece change — the installation of what the industry calls “fulldome” technology.
Digistar 6, created by planetarium equipment supplier Evans & Sutherland, has transported the Strasenburgh into a new era. Computer software and hardware, digital video projectors and specialized lenses combine to create astronomical experiences that are simply stellar. The visuals are of the actual celestial bodies and are displayed in real time.
“This is Saturn and its rings and the shadows the rings are casting on the globe of Saturn right this moment, all calculated in real time,” Fentress told the first public audience in January.
This is virtually the closest thing on earth to flying freely through the cosmic universe. Audiences are surrounded by stars as they rocket through galaxies.
The software equips the fulldome system with the orbits and surfaces of planets and moons as well as the thousands of comets and asteroids in our solar system with remarkable accuracy. Viewers can examine planets in high-resolution 3D from multiple viewpoints and bolt from one cosmic vista to the next.
“It’s as if you were actually going there,” Fentress said.
Celestial curiosity
“These enhancements to the planetarium are tremendous to the RMSC, but more so to the
community,” said Hillary Olson, president and CEO of RMSC. “We are giving our very best service to people from ages 2 to 102. They will have an experience that will lead to learning.”
Celestial wonder has no age limit. Advice to parents: Don’t be afraid to bring the little ones. A concise 23-minute show has kids traveling around the universe meeting the planets.
To teenagers and young adults: Shows aren’t just for kids. Many will engage you, too.
And for grandparents and retired adults: Fulfill the quest for lifelong learning.
“It’s not just about astronomy learning,” added Olson. “It’s about immersing yourself in a way that’s exciting and sparks curiosity. Zoom to Saturn, hover over the moon’s terrain, and see what’s happening five lightyears away.”
Evidence of curiosity in space shines through with audience questions.
“As soon as students see the moon or Saturn, they start asking to go other places,” said Fentress. “‘Can you also go to the supermassive black hole!?’”
The vast amount of data used in shows comes from publicly funded research by NASA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Geological Survey and National Science Foundation.
The planetarium is now connected with 200 other planetariums on a Digistar cloud to exchange data.
“With the old system we were never able to deeply zoom in on something and actually see it as it is. We would have artist renderings on slides, and this just completely changes everything,” said Olson.
The new system capabilities aren’t limited to outer space, but can bring audiences on a journey through the human brain, the living cell, and complex molecules, as well as reconstructions of historical sites.
A new space
The theater itself now features an open floor area and movable upright seating, which
encourages active exploration.. All chairs can be completely removed to become a transformative space, for music performances or special events including weddings. And visual enhancements for such events include colorful LED lights around the theater.
The space is fully accessible, allowing visitors in wheelchairs or with other assistive technology to experience shows comfortably.
Olson shared other options for experiencing the planetarium shows, such sitting on bean bags and lying on the floor.
“Look at this view!” Olson exclaimed from the floor, as the CEO lay on her back looking up at the tall trees stretching across the dome.
The planetarium’s lobby and bathrooms also have been revamped. Overall, renovations give the planetarium a new and invigorated feel while maintaining the integrity of the structure’s uniqueness.
“We have a beautiful 50-year-old building and this renovation respects the past,” Fentress said.
New shows include Outer Space to Inner Space, which takes audiences on a journey from Earth, through our solar system and galactic neighborhood, then down to the micro world of molecules. The show also highlights a preview of the solar eclipse coming up in five years in 2024 (for which Rochester, N.Y. will be in the path of totality).
Another show is Sensory Friendly Outer Space to Inner Space, designed for families who prefer to enjoy the planetarium as a lights-up, music-down, doors-open environment.
What about Carl?
Fentress answered the most-asked question, which is regarding the iconic star projector that has been in continuous service since opening day in 1968.
“Carl will stay,” Fentress reassured. “Sometime in the future, Carl will retire to a place of honor on exhibit.”
At that time, the public will be able to examine the innerworkings of the optics masterpiece up close. For now, “Carl” presses on to the delight of those who aren’t ready to let him go just yet.
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