The largest planetarium in sub-Saharan Africa will re-open in Johannesburg early next year with a fully modernised digital dome that will offer expansive visuals of the solar system.
The newly renamed Wits Anglo American Digital Dome at Wits University was recently showcased to star-gazers and tech enthusiasts, who witnessed demonstrations of the immersive experience. The dome is equipped with 10 state-of-the-art digital projectors and surround sound, creating a dynamic environment for learning.
Moumita Aich, the dome’s head, emphasised that the new technology will enhance the learning experience for both children and adults, particularly in an era when many are distracted by their cell phones.
“So this is screen time, but you actually get to learn a lot from that whole 20 or 30 minutes. You will actually learn a lot from that,” she explained.
Since its opening in 1960, the planetarium has hosted thousands of schoolchildren and aspiring astronomers. The renovation will expand its role as a place of learning and a research hub where scientists can showcase and explore their findings on the planetarium’s 360-degree screen.
This modernisation is expected to encourage greater public interest in astronomy and science.
