Planetarium Instrumentation

The main instrument is a Spitz A3-P star projector centered in a 24' hemispherical dome. The Spitz star projector accurately projects 2300 stars onto the dome which represents a rural perspective of the naked-eye sky. In addition, there are individual projectors for the Sun, the Moon, and five naked-eye planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn). Sixteen strategically placed Ektagraphic slide projectors provide panoramic horizons of many celestial bodies, as well as three fixed position screens and four rotating, single axis, and two-axis screens. Fifty-five "special effects" projectors display constellation overlays, aurora, supernovae, neutron stars, black holes, rockets, meteors, warp speed, and many more effects. A video projector rounds out and enhances the visual effect equipment.  The projectors are integrated with a surround-sound audio system, which gives each participant the feeling of "being there" in space. An East Coast Control automated control system greatly enhances each planetarium program.

Gordon Stewart, UW-L  Planetarium Director 

                                            Phone: 608 785 8669 

                                           E Mail:  stewart.gord@uwlax.edu