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from the issue of April 12, 2007
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Dunn draws fulldome technology to Astronomy Day
UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
Industry contacts are allowing Jack Dunn to push Mueller Planetarium to the next generation of planetarium experiences.
| | FULLDOME - A whale and fish swim overhead in this image from the fulldome show, "Origins of Life." Courtesy photo.
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Dunn, coordinator of Mueller Planetarium at the University of Nebraska State Museum, said the planetarium will offer "fulldome" projection during April 21 Astronomy Day activities.
Mueller Planetarium currently uses a classical projections system that allows only a small portion of the 31-foot wide dome to be used for shows. However, fulldome technology uses a specialized mirror and a software program to transform the dome into a giant curved screen.
"It immerses you into the images," said Dunn. "This is the next generation of planetarium shows. It is really an amazing experience."
The mirror system used in the fulldome system was developed by Paul Bourke at the University of Western Australia in Perth. Dunn is Bourke's U.S. collaborator helping to introduce the "Sphemir" technique to planetariums in the United States and Canada.
Dunn said officials from the museum and University of Nebraska Foundation are working to make fulldome projection a permanent feature of Mueller shows. A system costs about $10,000.
The system is versatile, offering shows on topics ranging from astronomy and the biological sciences, to engineering and entertainment. Fulldome systems are starting to be used by universities nationwide, including Rice University, the University of New Mexico and Washburn University.
To raise awareness about the system locally, Dunn is borrowing equipment from friends in the industry, offering a limited fulldome opportunity for museum visitors during Astronomy Day on April 21, then again on April 22.
"By offering this on Astronomy Day, we will have anywhere from 500 to 600 people who get to experience fulldome," Dunn said. "We want to get this idea out there, show them what Mueller Planetarium could become."
The planetarium will present the show "Black Holes," which was created at Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City, Utah. The presentation is a 37-minute, 3-dimensional experience exploring one of the most mysterious phenomena in the universe.
Seating is limited to 80 people per show. Showtimes for "Black Holes" are 11 a.m., noon, 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. April 21 and 2, 3 and 4 p.m. April 22.
The fulldome planetarium show is only one of the full day of attractions and activities - all having an astronomy or space theme - scheduled at Morrill Hall The museum will be open for Astronomy Day activities from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Mueller Planetarium and the NU State Museum again are part of a group of planetariums, observatories and museums selected by Astronomy Magazine and Meade Telescopes Inc. to be sponsored locations. Each location is the site of a drawing for a Meade telescope valued at $300. Forms for the telescope drawing will be available at the front of the museum and you do not need to have purchased admission to be eligible. The drawing for the telescope will take place at 4:25 p.m. and you need not be present to win.
Complete details of Astronomy Day are on the Astronomy Day Web site www.spacelaser.com/asday2007.html.
Admission to the museum is free for faculty, staff, students and their immediate family members with a valid NCard. General admission is $5 for adults (19 and over), $3 for children (5-18 years, 4 and under are free), and $10 for families (up to two adults and children). There is an additional charge of $2 for planetarium shows for all museum visitors (including faculty, staff and students). Parking is free.
For more information, go online to www-museum.unl.edu or call 472-2642.
GO TO: ISSUE OF APRIL 12
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