Stars within reach

From City Scene, published on 6 April, 2008

Stars within reach: Stardome Observatory's new digital full- dome planetarium is now open.

Stardome Observatory's new digital full- dome planetarium is now open. The planetarium's recent "out-of-this-world makeover" included installing New Zealand's largest completely immersive 360-degree theatre.

The upgrade - funded by Auckland City Council, the ASB Trust and the Lion Foundation - means the observatory is now a global leader in international planetarium technology.

Chief executive Craig Garner says the theatre offers a dynamic experience of high definition imagery and sound. "The immersive experience delivers a striking and memorable voyage into space," he says.

As well as a great new line-up of shows and programmes, the planetarium now offers visitors the chance to see the entire known universe mapped in a 3D environment.

"We no longer just have to sit here on earth and look up - we can take you out to the far reaches of space," Mr Garner says. Visit www.stardome.org.nz or phone 624 1246 for more information.