ZEISS installs a new fulldome video system in Granada’s science centre

In mid-July, ZEISS installed a new fulldome video system in the planetarium in Granada, Spain. The two ZEISS VELVET projectors replace an older fulldome system. The computer technology and software have also been completely renewed. "The new technology ensures that the planetarium, which was built over 20 years ago, once again meets modern presentation standards and keeps pace with technological and scientific advances in astronomy,” says Martin Kraus, head of the ZEISS planetarium division.

The projectors, which were designed and produced specially for planetariums and simulators by ZEISS, boast the world’s highest contrast and achieve an absolute black background. This is a particular requirement in planetariums that put on a host of astronomical presentations.
Since its opening in 1995, the planetarium with a dome diameter of 10 meters has been equipped with a ZEISS SKYMASTER ZKP3 planetarium projector, which is still in use. The coupled system enables even more realistic and radiant planetarium shows than previously possible. While the optomechanical star projector makes the sky shine with natural brilliance, the new digital projection system supplements the programs with a wide diversity of didactic presentations and colorful astronomical objects. Thanks to the hybrid control unit, it’s easy for visitors to access the world of astronomy, enabling the planetarium to foster its mission to educate.

In October last year, the European Space Agency (ESA) announced the opening of an office of the European Space Education Resource Office (ESERO) network to provide educational resources to primary and secondary school teachers and students at the Science Park in Granada. Granada is thus the only Spanish city to have a European space office. This makes it part of this European project, which is based in ten other countries on the continent.

The Granada Science Park is an important attraction with 600,000 visitors a year near the city centre. Besides the planetarium, it includes many interactive exhibitions for families and school groups.