Updated

Updated · First Alert 4 · Jul 18

St. Louis Planetarium Reopens Orthwein Star Bay After 5 Months With First-of-Its-Kind U.S. Hybrid System

Updated

Updated · First Alert 4 · Jul 18

St. Louis Planetarium Reopens Orthwein Star Bay After 5 Months With First-of-Its-Kind U.S. Hybrid System

Q: How does America's new top planetarium create a 70k-resolution universe?

It creates that “70k-equivalent” universe by pairing two different projection systems in one dome: the GOTO Chiron III optomechanical star projector and the Cosm Digistar full-dome digital visualization system. The GOTO Chiron III provides the ultra-detailed night sky. It is designed to reproduce a star field at a level described as equivalent to more than 70k resolution, far beyond typical digital domes. It projects all 9,500 stars visible to the naked eye in accurate color, plus more than 100 million additional stars, along with deep-sky objects and realistic views of the Sun, Moon and planets. That is what gives the dome its sharp, pinpoint stars rather than a softer digital look. The Digistar system adds the dynamic universe around that star field. Using full-dome digital projection and live scientific data, it can render photorealistic imagery, 3D models, terrain maps and real-time astronomy databases, including Gaia mission data. That allows visitors not just to look at the sky, but to fly through the Milky Way, land on planets and travel to the edge of the observable universe. At the St. Louis Science Center’s James S. McDonnell Planetarium, the result is a hybrid system that combines optical precision with digital flexibility. The renovation also added a 22,000-watt surround-sound system and Auracast hearing assistance, making the experience more immersive and accessible as the newly upgraded planetarium reopens with three new shows.

3 articles · Updated · First Alert 4 · Jul 18

Five months of renovations have reopened the James S. McDonnell Planetarium’s Orthwein Star Bay, which the St. Louis Science Center says is now the most advanced hybrid planetarium in the United States.
The upgrade centers on a dual projection setup combining GOTO Chiron III and Cosm Digistar full-dome visualization, allowing the dome to recreate millions of stars and planets in far greater detail.
A new sound system and Auracast hearing-accessibility technology were added to make shows more immersive and accessible for visitors.
Three newly developed shows are already available, extending a long-running St. Louis institution with new educational programming and updated visitor experience.