Arizona Science Center reopens planetarium with stunning tech
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The Arizona Science Center's planetarium underwent a massive renovation and reopens Saturday as the Dorrance DOME — one of the most advanced digital domes in the world.
The big picture: The refreshed planetarium represents a new era for the Science Center, which interim president and CEO Tammy Stewart said will "inspire learners of all ages to explore science in ways that are immersive, interactive and unforgettable."
Zoom in: The dome is similar to the Las Vegas Sphere but is much more intimate (there are about 200 seats). It will launch with four daily shows:
- "Orbital": A space voyage narrated by astronauts.
- "Black Hole: First Picture": A look at how scientists captured the first image of a black hole.
- "Astronomy Tour: Arizona": A live planetarium show that explores Arizona's astronomy history.
- "Inside Pop Art": An "immersive, technicolor trip" through the evolution of pop art.
By the numbers: The 60-foot dome has 8K LED technology that is 100 times the brightness of a traditional projection.
- More than 9,000 panels and 44 million individual LEDs combine to provide stunning, lifelike visuals.
The intrigue: The Cosm CX System that powers the Dorrance DOME can tap into real-time landscape and astronomy images and video from NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other sources, Science Center leaders noted at a preview event Thursday.
What's next: The dome is a blank canvas with endless potential for creating new shows and experiences, Dorrance DOME experiences and planetarium director Alec Warren said, adding that there are opportunities for non-science programming, like immersive concerts and art shows.
- Already, the Science Center has announced after-hours yoga classes under the dome and musical screenings featuring cinematic displays to match the tunes of Taylor Swift and "K-Pop Demon Hunters."
