The William M. Staerkel Planetarium was a state-of-the-art facility when it opened to the public in October of 1987.   But, of course, technology moves forward at a staggering pace! In 2002, grant funds were acquired to install a computer to store show files, thus eliminating the need for 8-inch floppy disks. Soon after, our 8-track reel-to-reel tape decks were sold as a new Fostex digital playback unit was installed. But images are still placed on our dome through the use of 57 computer-controlled slide projectors! As of fall, 2003, Kodak is no longer manufacturing slide projectors, plus finding parts and service has been difficult. Currently all service is done in-house. Add to this, there are fewer and fewer slide-based show kits available for purchase, meaning fewer new shows offered in our theater. 

The solution?

Digital theater in the form of full-dome immersive video!   Using a single or multiple video projectors, one can cover the entire dome with a video image!   No longer will we have to look at a photo of Saturn on the dome . . . . . we'll be able to fly you through the ring system!  

A full-dome system will allow the Staerkel Planetarium to become more of a "science center" as we'll expand content to cover Biology, Chemistry, and Earth Science.  We foresee being able to fly you through a cell or maybe into a volcano.   Thus, more Parkland classes will be utilizing the planetarium and, in fact, Natural Science faculty will have input into show design.   The planetarium staff has also had conversations with both the National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the University of Illinois and Precision Graphics regarding future collaborations. 

We are currently raising funds to bring a full-dome system to Parkland College.   For more information, contact the Parkland College Foundation at 373-3789 or visit their web site. 

Join us!   Click on the red star to make a contribution!