Strong projections, lower service costs

ESO Supernova planetarium upgrades to VELVET LED projectors

June 2021

ESO Supernova Planetarium © ESO/P. Horálek
The ESO Supernova planetarium features new ZEISS VELVET LED projectors providing an improved visual experience.

The ESO Supernova is now opened again after the closure due to the pandemic. Visitors of the ESO Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Centre will enjoy improved visual experience of all shows presented.
ZEISS VELVET projectors have, from the beginning, delivered the images to the ESO Supernova planetarium dome. Their enormous contrast with deep black backgrounds and outstanding imaging quality ensure a sharp and brilliant projection image. Meanwhile, the latest VELVET generation is available with LED light sources. The special properties of LED illumination result in presentations with more vivid colors and even higher brilliance.
The closure period of the ESO Supernova was used to replace the lamp-based projectors with projectors equipped with LED light sources. Some video components are also being renewed. For the ESO facility, another outstanding benefit, in addition to the significant gain in projection quality, is the fact that the LED light sources, which have a 20,000-hour lifespan, no longer need to be replaced. Storage, disposal and annual costs for replacement lamps are no longer necessary. ZEISS takes back surplus replacement lamps and offsets them against the conversion costs.
The ESO Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Centre in Garching is located right next to the headquarters of the European Southern Observatory (ESO). The planetarium, with its 14-meter-diameter dome and tilted arrangement, is an essential part of the ESO Supernova, which also offers a state-of-the-art exhibition.

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