From January 19, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii's planetarium will be the first in the world to have 3D stereoscopic capabilities, revolutionizing the planetarium industry. The new system heightens general audience entertainment experiences, but more importantly becomes a tool for astronomers' research by allowing them to see how celestial bodies are situated and how the universe is changing.
Imiloa will be using Sky-Skan's cutting-edge definiti 3D theater technology integrated with Sony SXRD projectors. The new technology allows for a more vibrant picture than traditional systems, making Imiloa's planetarium viewings exceptionally lifelike and engaging on its breathtaking 52-foot full planetarium dome.
"This technology changes the role of a planetarium dramatically," said Imiloa Associate Director, Kaiu Kimura. "Instead of just being a tool to teach and entertain, our planetarium is now a resource for scientists. We work closely with the telescopes on Maunakea, the 14,000-foot mountain summit, which sites ten world-class astronomical observatories. This system will now aid their research by bringing their data to life. Imiloa will also be poised to share new research with today's young people and the broader community in exciting ways."
To highlight its new capabilities for the general public, Imiloa will also launch its "Dawn of the Space Age" planetarium show in stereoscopic 3D. The show will be playing Tuesday through Sunday daily starting January 19. Visitors will relive history and the excitement of space exploration from the launch of Sputnik through the Apollo lunar landings in 3D. All monthly Sky Tonight star show presentations at Imiloa Center will include tours of the Universe in 3D stereo.
About Imiloa Astronomy Center.
Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii opened in February 2006. The world-class destination intertwines the Hawaiian cultural and navigational understanding of the stars with information direct from Maunakea's world-famous astronomy observatories. It is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays). For more information, visit the Web site at http://www.imiloahawaii.org or call (808) 969-9700.