Here at the Fujitsu Planetarium, we are uniquely able to present a viewing experience that combines the best that astonomical technology has to offer.
For displaying the night sky with unbelievable clarity, our Konica-Minolta Infinium S® opto-mechanical star projector uses state-of-the-art fiber optics, laser cut star plates, diffraction-limited lenses and computer positioning to display an incredibly realistic night sky on the dome of the planetarium. You can hear the "Oohs and Aahs" as the sky turns dark and the stars come out. Our Infinium is the first machine of its kind in the western hemisphere.
The Sky-Skan definiti® system that we use to present planetarium shows and to navigate our audience through the immensity of the universe is a combination of super computer generated data (which is constantly updated,) stunning graphics and awesome, full-dome immersive visualization. Highly accurate Sony 4k digital projectors and impressive 6.1 surround sound fill the dome with sound and images that challenge the imagination and spark the viewer's curiosity.
Our new Astro Tec® dome allows for images to be projected onto a surface that appears seamless across the full panorama of the dome.
The new Pleiades® cove light system illuminates the dome with pure color light from LEDs that are ecological as well as having the flexibility to create various atmospheres inside the dome.
Also our newly renovated seats are comfortable and well designed to provide maximum viewing capability for our audience.
To complete the experience, a visit to our gift shop will provide the perfect chance to pick up a souvenir or that perfect gift for the budding astronaut/astronomer.
Infinium-S Technical Tidbits
10) 12 separate constellation projectors ride on the star ball, so we can see the Great Bear or the Scorpion projected over their star patterns and have them follow the stars as the Earth rotates. Many more constellation figures are rigidly mounted for projection at certain times.
9) The Infinium-S projects many of the brighter galaxies and nebulae with such precision and realism that you can actually use binoculars in the planetarium for a closer view, just as if you were outside. Faint stars that can be seen only under ideal conditions can be seen in the planetarium. It will be like seeing the stars from space!
8) The star projector can rotate in azimuth (horizontally) allowing the audience, which will now be seated facing the same direction to feel as though they are turning to look in another direction.
7) Unlike our old star projector and other modern projectors, the Infinium-S uses individual tiny points (250,000 stars) to create the Milky Way projection rather than using a projected artwork.
6) The 23 brightest stars projected by the Infinium-S, have their own individual projectors. The accuracy, intensity, and brightness of the star images will provide audiences with a more complete, up-close understanding of the infinite sky above.
5) The new star projector is situated on a lift that can be lowered about a meter. Through this slight shift in height, a more visually expansive space will be created that will allow for multiple projections and better views from anywhere in the dome.
4) The planets, Sun, Moon and other projections of solar system objects are controlled by powerful computers that allow for precise placement in the sky, even giving us views from another planet!
3) Computers make it possible for the Infinium-S to jump to any time and location with incredible speed and accuracy. Additionally, there is also a complete set of manual controls to move the machine ‘on the fly’, without the need to enter commands on the keyboard.
2) The Infinium-S uses optical fibers, laser drilled plates and precision optics to create the tiniest, brightest, most realistic planetarium stars you will probably ever see. And they can even twinkle!
1) The Infinium-S star projector is spherical in shape and quite small considering its capabilities. It’s smaller size means it doesn’t block the view of the planetarium sky as our old MS-15 often did. I am still amazed at how this single sphere can rotate on so many axes. It can move to show the stars from any point on Earth, rotate to allow the audience to face any direction, simulate the Earths rotation, and even demonstrate the precession of the equinoxes (the 26,000 year wobble that the Earth experiences).