Bochum Planetarium Receives New ZEISS Technology

Jena, Germany | 15 October 2020 | ZEISS Planetariums

The ZEISS planetarium in Bochum has been equipped with new technology: its 11 ZEISS VELVET LED projectors will offer higher resolution and exceptional color brilliance thanks to LED light sources. These third-generation projectors have replaced the ten-year-old first-generation ZEISS VELVET projectors. So what's special about the ZEISS projectors? They offer the world's best contrast – and continue ensuring that astronomical simulations produce very realistic results in combination with the existing ZEISS UNIVERSARIUM Model IX star projector. Increased brightness will cause the number of pixels on the dome to double. The tried-and-true synchronization of the opto-mechanical night sky and its digital projections will remain a particular feature of the shows at the Bochum planetarium. High-performance lenses from ZEISS and enhanced video processing will deliver razor-sharp images. Visitors to the planetarium will thus enjoy a more pleasant experience. Virtual worlds and a realistic impression will seamlessly intertwine.

Bochum planetarium director Prof. Dr. Susanne Hüttemeister said: "We couldn't wait to see the new projectors' 'first light' – and we were totally wowed. Even our regular shows now boast greater detail, the likes of which our dome had never seen. And we now look forward to impressing our audiences with the new projection system." The Bochum planetarium hosts exciting presentation topics and a wide variety of events, and has seen new record visitor numbers year upon year. "The link between digital high-contrast and opto-mechanical star projections will continue to turn a visit to the Bochum planetarium into a veritable experience in the future, one that will stay in people's minds," says Martin Kraus, Head of ZEISS Planetariums. According to Kraus, this development is linked to the aim of meeting audience expectations in terms of modern presentation formats and being able to integrate innovative applications into the program structure. This is one of the key reasons for the city of Bochum to modernize its planetarium. "The VELVET LED projectors are a special ZEISS development, which matches planetariums' particular needs. The planetarium in Bochum is setting high standards for both itself and the technology," says Kraus. "We are delighted that we have been able to gain our longstanding customers' trust for our solutions." The new projectors with LED light sources are a key way of reducing service costs. Purchasing and regularly replacing lightbulbs is now a thing of the past.

The ZEISS UNIVIEW™ Open Dome marks the first time the company is delivering an innovative and easy-to-use system that enables high-resolution projection of almost any computer application on the dome. The graphical representation of these applications will be transmitted from the source computer to the dome in real time and without any losses. The innovative new technology means that content will be projected onto the dome in high visual quality. Until recently this was either not possible or necessitated a great deal of effort, and was limited in its quality output. This technology from ZEISS will allow the planetarium to run a wider range of programs and react quickly and flexibly to new research findings. The cultural events will also benefit from these more diverse opportunities and offer audiences new experiences.

The new technology was installed during August and September. A second phase will now see the conversion of the dome theater, which will include new seating so that all visitors can enjoy better viewing conditions. Work is scheduled to be completed by mid-December.