ZEISS STARMASTER is a computer controlled astronomical projection system for the presentation of the stellar sky and of the large objects of the Solar System in a mid to large size planetarium dome. STARMASTER is distinguished by the high level of brightness and the pinpoint sharpness of all stars. The natural star field in pure white color is exactly represented as it appears to the unaided eye under optimal observation conditions. All brightest stars show their real colors. Milky Way and deep sky objects are all presented with high detail accuracy. This projection method for the stars, based on fiber optics and high-power LED illumination, allows the combination of projections of the stellar sky with digital content. The individual control of star field shutters allows the complementary combination of star projection and additional imageries. A speciality is the integration of the Sun and Moon projectors in the Starball. This permits the midnight sun to be demonstrated without obstructions in the north or south. 

The control of the STARMASTER Starball supports topocentric projections taking into account the location on Earth's surface and the local time of the observer. An ergonomic control panel allows for easy manual control and interaction with visitors. The operating software also supports live, automatic, and semi-automatic presentations. 

The ZEISS STARMASTER planetarium system was developed in the mid-1990s and replaced the ZEISS SPACEMASTER series. The first installation was completed in the Wolfsburg Planetarium, opened in 1996. The lamp versions can be upgraded with LED illumination systems. STARMASTER projectors have been installed in 19 planetariums.