Planetariums have long been centres of scientific education and exploration, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to observe and understand the universe’s wonders.
But as technology has evolved, so too have the roles and capabilities of planetariums. No longer limited to basic stargazing or static celestial projections, modern planetariums offer immersive, interactive experiences that engage audiences in the latest astronomical discoveries, encourage deeper understanding, and foster an appreciation for both the science and beauty of our universe.
Cyril Birnbaum, head of the planetarium department at Universcience, an organisation that works to make science accessible to all, speaks to blooloop about the latest developments and their impact on the sector.
The evolution of planetariums
The history of planetariums dates back to the early 20th century, with the first built in Munich, Germany, in 1923. These early mechanical devices relied on complex gears and lamps to project images of the stars and planets onto the domed ceiling. While groundbreaking at the time, the technology was limited, offering only a static night sky display.
As the years progressed, technological advancements led to the introduction of optical projectors that allowed for more detailed and dynamic presentations. By the late 20th century, digital projectors replaced their mechanical counterparts, enabling planetariums to showcase interactive, computer-generated content.
Today, many planetariums worldwide, including the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie in Paris, use state-of-the-art digital projection systems and immersive 360° films that offer an entirely new level of engagement with astronomy.
Education & entertainment at the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie
Outlining the visitor experience at the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie, Birnbaum says: “As in other planetariums, visitors have access to a wide variety of themes, ranging from automated films without mediators to classic shows (e.g., the Big Dipper, the Little Dipper, the North Star).
“There are also educational programs (e.g., The Moon, Night Lights), historical topics (e.g., the sky in the Middle Ages, interstellar postcards), and more theatrical, unconventional, and humorous shows. For example, “Pécho sous les étoiles” uses the quest for love as a pretext to explore the sky, while “DJ Ciel, la teuf à Galilée” presents Galileo’s life in a nightclub setting.”
“Since 2021, other disciplines have entered the dome, such as artist residencies blending art and science, digital art festivals, and unique experiences like stargazing naps, dinosaurs, or album listening sessions with visuals (e.g., Pink Floyd, U2).
“This diversity in content and formats attracts a broader audience.”
See also: Universcience: how to create an engaging children’s exhibition
The impact of digital technology
“With the transition to digital planetariums in the 2000s and, in 2017, the arrival of high-resolution laser projectors with 8,000-pixel precision on the meridian, a major transformation occurred,” says Birnbaum.
“These advancements allow for the projection of hyper-realistic visuals, breathtaking sequences, interactivity, and the integration of the latest scientific discoveries. There are now no limits for mediators—they can truly do anything.”
At the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie in Paris, the planetarium has embraced cutting-edge technology, including a Laser 8K high-definition projection system and a real-time astronomical simulator.
This setup provides unparalleled image clarity and realism, allowing visitors to experience celestial phenomena in previously unimaginable ways. The planetarium is only the second in the world to have such technology, after the facility in Houston, Texas. This has allowed the Cité’s planetarium to offer immersive films and 360° shows that captivate audiences with both their beauty and their educational value.
The rise of full-dome films in planetariums
One of the most exciting developments in modern planetariums is the rise of full-dome films—immersive, 360° visual experiences that transport audiences beyond the confines of the planetarium dome. These films offer a new way to explore the cosmos, not just as distant objects in the sky but as part of a dynamic, interconnected system.
“Planetarium sessions in the past resembled stargazing evenings under the night sky,” says Birnbaum.
“Today, some films are as realistic as science-fiction movies like Interstellar. For instance, Dark Universe from the New York Planetarium or Birth of Planet Earth by NCSA’s Advanced Visualization Lab showcase scientific imagery. These films allow for collective 360° journeys, bringing audiences closer to celestial objects than ever before.”
The Cité des sciences et de l’industrie’s planetarium has become a leading producer of such films. The institution creates and offers a wide range of content aimed at engaging audiences of all ages and backgrounds. These films blend science and storytelling, using immersive visuals and expert commentary to enhance understanding and spark curiosity.
“Scripted, unconventional, and humorous shows are more family-oriented, emphasising learning through entertainment. Meanwhile, musical sessions and digital art attract 20-35-year-olds, a demographic we wouldn’t normally engage.”
The Moon – Between the Earth and the Sky
One of the standout films produced by the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie planetarium is The Moon – Between the Earth and the Sky.
This film for planetariums explores the history and evolution of the Moon, focusing on key phenomena such as lunar phases, eclipses, and the lunar calendar. Viewers journey through time, discovering how the Moon formed, why it is vital to our planet, and future exploration projects that aim to unlock more secrets about our celestial neighbour.
The film also offers an immersive experience of the Moon’s movement around Earth, showing its phases and the celestial mechanics behind eclipses. It is an engaging introduction to lunar science and a breathtaking way to view the Moon from the comfort of a planetarium.
Night Lights – Between the Earth and the Sky
Another fascinating film for planetariums from the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie is Night Lights – Between the Earth and the Sky.
This production explores the origin of the various luminous phenomena visible in the night sky, from the distant stars to the more fleeting shooting stars, and includes a critical look at light pollution.
The film takes audiences to observe the Northern and Southern Lights and the polar auroras. It travels through the Solar System to visit planets, artificial satellites, and billions of stars in the Milky Way.
Through stunning visuals and narration, viewers gain not only a deeper understanding of the cosmos but also an awareness of the environmental issues related to light pollution and the importance of preserving our view of the night sky.
The Sky in the Middle Ages – Histories of Astronomy
For those interested in the history of astronomy, The Sky in the Middle Ages – Histories of Astronomy offers a unique exploration.
This film for planetariums examines the evolution of astronomical thought, from the ancient models of the heavens to the breakthroughs that have shaped our current understanding of the universe. The film spans 1,000 years of history, with scenes set in iconic locations such as Rome, Baghdad, Bayeux, and Palos de la Frontera.
It tells the story of how knowledge was transmitted across cultures and generations, shedding light on the pivotal moments in the development of astronomical science. This journey through time connects the past with the present, demonstrating how the study of the heavens has shaped human understanding of our place in the universe.
“When the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie organised an exhibition on medieval science, we created a planetarium film about astronomy in the Middle Ages, blending astronomy with history,” says Birnbaum.
“The response was immediate: we were overwhelmed with visitors. Non-scientific teachers came for the history aspect, while science teachers used the historical elements to introduce their lessons.”
Chauvet Cave—Beyond Time
Universcience has also developed a planetarium movie linked with its touring exhibition The Cave Journey, through the Chauvet Discovery. Additionally, this is part of the arts and science offering at the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie.
With Chauvet Cave—Beyond Time, photographer-artist Raphaël Dallaporta, along with the on-site teams, offers a contemporary approach to The Chauvet Cave, an archaeological gem in the valley of the Ardèche Gorges.
The film invites viewers to cross the threshold of the cave and follow its story, as it reveals its history in fragments. By collaborating with the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie’s planetarium teams, the artist showcases the panoramic views captured within the Cave under the dome. He shares the privilege of this exploration, supported by an allegorical narrative interpreted by Barbara Carlotti.
Future directions: hybridisation and collaboration
Looking ahead, the future of planetariums seems to lie in hybridisation—the blending of multiple disciplines, formats, and technologies to create richer, more varied experiences for visitors.
The traditional boundary between astronomy and other forms of science and art is increasingly blurred, with planetariums becoming places for collaboration, not only between scientists but also between artists, educators, and technologists.
The increasing use of digital technology has made it easier for planetariums to collaborate across borders, enabling international collaborations and content-sharing networks.
With the advent of real-time simulators, 3D technologies, and AI-driven content, planetariums are poised to continue evolving, creating even more interactive, customised, and immersive experiences for audiences worldwide.
Talking about why the future of planetariums lies in hybridisation, Birnbaum says:
“Building a planetarium dome is a costly investment for communities. However, we need collective experiences, and combining disciplines and approaches attracts new audiences. Today, domes offer incredible immersive experiences. Mediators can take you to space, inside the human body, on a tour of Notre Dame de Paris, or through a cave—all in real-time. Some planetariums even host yoga sessions or candlelit Valentine’s Day dinners.
“In the future, these domes could connect to one another to enable experiences like escape games between rooms or co-hosted animations across domes. The future lies in sharing, connection, and collaboration.”
At the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie, the emphasis on cultural astronomy engineering ensures that the planetarium remains at the forefront of these advancements, offering services ranging from consulting in technical and scientific mediation to the production of custom-made full-dome shows.
This holistic approach allows planetariums to not only provide groundbreaking films but also to help other institutions enhance their own programming through expertise in technology, content creation, and educational strategies.
The future is bright for planetarium experiences
Planetariums have come a long way since their inception, evolving from simple star projections to immersive, multi-disciplinary centres that engage and inspire visitors.
Through innovative full-dome films and a focus on hybridisation and collaboration, modern planetariums offer a rich and dynamic experience, blending science, technology, history, and art.
With the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie’s expertise in producing cutting-edge films and its consulting services, planetariums worldwide are set to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in astronomical education and engagement.
Top image: credit JF Graffand
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