Infinium-S Technical Tidbits by Karl.
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. For instance we can all be looking north to find the North Star, then it will fell as if the ground has turned us toward the east, where we might see the moon rising.
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).