Large-size Planetarium
UNIVERSARIUM Model IX
UNIVERSARIUM Model IX
Designed for the biggest and most magnificent planetariums
UNIVERSARIUM M IX of the Stuttgart Planetarium
The universal star theater of its own
UNIVERSARIUM is the most powerful planetarium instrument from Carl Zeiss, designed for large domes and multimedia star theaters, and for horizontal, as well as for tilted domes. Thanks to the high brightness of all projections, even projection domes with a very low degree of reflection can be used.
The components are available in different modifications, so that UNIVERSARIUM can be installed in existing auditoriums and optimally adapted to the dome horizon and seating arrangement. UNIVERSARIUM is based on the starball concept, the mechanical separation between the projection of the starlit sky and of dynamic objects. The starball and the planet projectors as well as the projectors for Sun and Moon are controlled by the software to be used jointly in accordance with astronomical algorithms.
The Starball
The UNIVERSARIUM stars surpass any digital starfield by far, even the brightest. The starry sky is projected with fiber-optic projection systems designed and manufactured by Carl Zeiss. The stars are so bright that they are not easily outshone by image projections. They are point-shaped and totally white. The brightest stars also displaying conspicuous tints in nature are projected in a reddish or bluish or yellowish color. UNIVERSARIUM provides a realistic simulation of the scintillation of all stars. The natural beauty of the firmament is probably exceeded only by a clear night.
A modular system to fit with your requirements
UNIVERSARIUM is designed for special custom configurations and specifications. In any case, the configuration is subject to specification by contract. You can configure the UNIVERSARIUM planetarium machine to your needs. The Starball comprises all features for the starry sky. Select the didactical projections you want to present with the Starball and choose beetween the projectors for Sun and Moon and planets. Finally we will customize the UNIVERSARIUM instrument to your requirements. Whatever your configuration will be, all versions can be coupled directly and synchronously with all powerdome fulldome systems by Carl Zeiss.
| Projection Dome | |
|---|---|
| Dome diameter: | 18 m to 35 m (60 ft to 115 ft) |
| Height of horizon: | 2200 mm or 3000 mm |
| Dome tilt: | 0° to 30° |
| Seating capacity: | 200 to 450 |
Natural depiction of the night sky
Radiant stars, as breathtaking as in nature. With a limiting size of 6.55 magnitudes, the same number of stars visible to the unaided human eye is shown under optimal observation conditions and in space. All stars are represented with a high level of brightness combined with small diameters. Each individual star is directly lighted by pure white light through a separate optical fiber. The Milky Way, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies are all presented with high detail accuracy.
Flexible control system
UNIVERSARIUM is computer-controlled. Although a highly complex instrument, it can be manually controlled without any restriction – like all ZEISS planetarium projectors. This means real-time operation and interactive control as already available before the invention of the computer. Automatic reproduction and real-time programming goes without saying.
The starball design in itself indicates that the UNIVERSARIUM permits not only the geocentric mode, but also other observation stations elsewhere in the solar system including spaceflight perspectives. Another feature is the possibility of leaping 10,000 years forward or backward in time with absolute astronomical correctness.
Powerdome coupling
UNIVERSARIUM has all capabilities for the integration of modern audiovisual systems including fulldome video projection, and has interfaces for communication with external control systems. UNIVERSARIUM can be directly combined with powerdome, the Carl Zeiss platform for fulldome projection. This combination enables synchronous coupling of optical-mechanical and digital planetarium projections.
- Available for domes with leveled horizon as well as tilted domes
- Brilliant stars in pure white color due to fiber optics and illumination by Xenon arc lamps
- Real color display for brightest stars
- Variable stars
- Scintillation of all stars
- Milky Way, star clusters, gaseous nebulae and galaxies
- Direct setting of sky positions and observation times within seconds (leaps in time and space)
- Topocentric presentations at high accuracy: exact Moon positions, planet conjunctions, etc.
- Automatic presentation of the analemma and other motion combinations with a simple cue
- Diurnal, annual polar altitude, precession and azimuth motion
- Integrated azimuthal rotation
- Completely new operating software
- Noble charcoal gray finish
- Sun with eclipses, reddening, 1:15 zoom
- Moon with surface details, phase change, nodal motion, eclipses and 2:1 zoom
- Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto, Arrow, and other objects with image rotation and 1:15 zoom
- Equator with partial grid system
- Ecliptic
- Meridian
- Zodiacal constellation figures
- Constellation figures of the northern and southern hemisphere
- Precession scales and markings of ecliptic poles
- Celestial poles
- Galactic coordinates
- Precession projector
- Compass rose, instrument position displays
- Zenith marking
- Additional didactic projections
- Comet
- Shooting stars
- Computer control of fixed star shutters
- All great circles and scales completely graduated and lettered
- Dome and effect illumination
- Built-in elevator for unvignetted projection from the periphery across the dome center
- Alphanumerical and graphical display of settings and positions
- Remote diagnosis and remote maintenance facilitate servicing and save costs