First Science Center in the World to Have NanoSeam Dome Immersion Technology Brings Astronomy Down to Earth
Phoenix, AZ, May 16, 2008 --(PR.com)-- The $1.6 million renovation of the Dorrance Planetarium at Arizona Science Center is complete. Featuring a state-of-the-art projection system, sound system, interactive seats and the first NanoSeam Dome at a science center or museum in the world, Arizona Science Center re-opened the Dorrance Planetarium Saturday, May 10. Guests can now benefit from a completely immersive and interactive astronomy experience.
“With these renovations we can not only travel through space but through the depths of the ocean, inside an atom or even travel through the body,” says Mike George, director of theaters for Arizona Science Center. “This pioneering technology not only offers an all new educational experience for our visitors but one that truly immerses the audience into the show experience.”
The Spitz NanoSeam Dome provided by Evans & Sutherland, combined with a Digistar3 projection system, Digistar 3D astronomy package and Bowen Technovation audio system, provides real-time 3D, full-dome and high definition computer graphics with full color and full motion. Additionally, through keypads in auditorium armrests, visitors can participate in planetarium shows.
“Instead of viewing static shows, our new technology allows visitors to become true science explorers,” said George. “Now visitors can navigate the show to get a closer look at a favorite planet or participate in simulations such as landing a space ship on Mars.”
Unlike previous planetarium dome construction with overlapping panels and raised rivets, the NanoSeam Dome is constructed with an even, smooth surface and flush seams. The uniform Dome assembly offers extraordinary quality in Planetarium projection surface and optimizes color and reflectivity.
Renovations for the Dorrance Planetarium were made possible by a leadership grant from the Dorrance Family Foundation. The Dorrance Family Foundation was responsible for the planetarium’s opening in 1997, and is an active supporter of important community programs such as the Dorrance Scholars.
About Arizona Science Center:
Arizona Science Center, formerly the Arizona Museum of Science & Technology, was conceived in 1980 as a pilot science center by the Junior League of Phoenix. Incorporated as a private, non-profit corporation in 1982, the museum saw more than 87,000 visitors during its first year of operations. Growth in attendance and an increasing demand for informal science education programs led to the Science Center being awarded more than $33 million in voter-approved disbursements by the 1988 City of Phoenix Bond to provide the land and construction of the Science Center's new permanent home.
Current facilities include over 140,000 square-feet of gallery space containing more than 350 hands-on exhibits; an IMAXTheater seating 285; a multi-media Dorrance Planetarium seating 200; a suite of classrooms; amenities including gift shop, food service and lunchroom; and support facilities. The mission of Arizona Science Center is to inspire, educate and entertain people of all ages about science. For more information, visit www.azscience.org.
About Evans & Sutherland:
Evans & Sutherland is the world’s first computer graphics company. They have continued to develop advanced computer graphics technology for almost four decades. They are applying this knowledge and experience to provide the finest turnkey digital theater systems for digital planetariums and large format digital cinemas worldwide. E&S offers Digistar, the world’s leading digital planetarium system, full dome movies and production services, premium-quality Spitz projection domes, theater design services, and the E&S Laser Projector, the world’s highest-resolution video projection system, designed for a series of products and applications. For more information, visit www.es.com.
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“With these renovations we can not only travel through space but through the depths of the ocean, inside an atom or even travel through the body,” says Mike George, director of theaters for Arizona Science Center. “This pioneering technology not only offers an all new educational experience for our visitors but one that truly immerses the audience into the show experience.”
The Spitz NanoSeam Dome provided by Evans & Sutherland, combined with a Digistar3 projection system, Digistar 3D astronomy package and Bowen Technovation audio system, provides real-time 3D, full-dome and high definition computer graphics with full color and full motion. Additionally, through keypads in auditorium armrests, visitors can participate in planetarium shows.
“Instead of viewing static shows, our new technology allows visitors to become true science explorers,” said George. “Now visitors can navigate the show to get a closer look at a favorite planet or participate in simulations such as landing a space ship on Mars.”
Unlike previous planetarium dome construction with overlapping panels and raised rivets, the NanoSeam Dome is constructed with an even, smooth surface and flush seams. The uniform Dome assembly offers extraordinary quality in Planetarium projection surface and optimizes color and reflectivity.
Renovations for the Dorrance Planetarium were made possible by a leadership grant from the Dorrance Family Foundation. The Dorrance Family Foundation was responsible for the planetarium’s opening in 1997, and is an active supporter of important community programs such as the Dorrance Scholars.
About Arizona Science Center:
Arizona Science Center, formerly the Arizona Museum of Science & Technology, was conceived in 1980 as a pilot science center by the Junior League of Phoenix. Incorporated as a private, non-profit corporation in 1982, the museum saw more than 87,000 visitors during its first year of operations. Growth in attendance and an increasing demand for informal science education programs led to the Science Center being awarded more than $33 million in voter-approved disbursements by the 1988 City of Phoenix Bond to provide the land and construction of the Science Center's new permanent home.
Current facilities include over 140,000 square-feet of gallery space containing more than 350 hands-on exhibits; an IMAXTheater seating 285; a multi-media Dorrance Planetarium seating 200; a suite of classrooms; amenities including gift shop, food service and lunchroom; and support facilities. The mission of Arizona Science Center is to inspire, educate and entertain people of all ages about science. For more information, visit www.azscience.org.
About Evans & Sutherland:
Evans & Sutherland is the world’s first computer graphics company. They have continued to develop advanced computer graphics technology for almost four decades. They are applying this knowledge and experience to provide the finest turnkey digital theater systems for digital planetariums and large format digital cinemas worldwide. E&S offers Digistar, the world’s leading digital planetarium system, full dome movies and production services, premium-quality Spitz projection domes, theater design services, and the E&S Laser Projector, the world’s highest-resolution video projection system, designed for a series of products and applications. For more information, visit www.es.com.
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Contact
Arizona Science Center
Constance Sablan
480-471-6761
azscience.org
Constance Sablan
480-471-6761
azscience.org
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