DIGITAL STARLAB PORTABLE PLANETARIUM

A portable planetarium is a tent-like dome that is filled with air from a simple fan. A Lightweight projector and a computer with a database of millions of celestial objects then turns the inside of the dome into the starry sky. When the air is let out of the dome, it rolls up and fits into a large duffle bag, just like a big tent.

Portable planetariums were invented decades ago by Learning Technologies, Inc. They were made to be brought into schools, set up in minutes, and run by one person. This equipment brings a whole universe of lessons right into schools at the click of a button. 

In January 2007, after carefully testing and evaluating four other systems, we notified Learning Technologies, Inc. of our selection of their Digital STARLAB for use in our education and outreach programs. LTI’s extensive experience with portable planetariums and their commitment to educational excellence are reflected in the Digital STARLAB's unmatched capabilities.

We are currently applying for funding to purchase a Digital STARLAB, which will allow us to bring state-of-the-art space science programs into the schools. Its computer-generated universe allows us to move through both space and time.

The Digital STARLAB provides a realistic sense of motion by surrounding students with a 360° virtual environment. We can lift off from the familiar surroundings of their schoolyard up into orbit where we can look back on the planet Earth. From there we can tour the moon, the sun, and the entire solar system. From beyond the outer edges of our galaxy, we can look back to Earth and understand the swirling dust clouds of the pristine Milky Way still visible in Maine.

The effect of motion is so compelling that students emerge from the STARLAB talking about where they have been. The experience can be overwhelming for some of the younger students if the pace of exploration is not managed carefully.

A Light Pollution Demonstration Laboratory

• The planetarium can depict the dramatic effect of light pollution on a naturally dark sky.
   
• It has the capability to reproduce the light domes measured by our NPS system, and to demonstrate how effective lighting designs protect the night sky.
   
• The Digital STARLAB is a "time machine" that allows students to see the sky from a place they are familiar with (such as a school playground) as it would appear at any time in the past or future, preparing them for observations that they will make in the night sky all year long. Making the connection between the world we can touch and the universe we see about us is perhaps the most difficult step in the development of more advanced spatial thinking and reasoning.
   
• The cycles of the seasons and lunar phases can be demonstrated in one lesson, giving students the frame of reference for future observations.
   
• Advanced students can explore the universe for themselves.