The CCM Planetarium is temporarily out of orbit, but is schedule for reentry sometime this spring.
Thanks to the generosity of one of our CCM trustees and others who donated more than $600,000, it will reopen as the
Madeline D. and Joseph L. Longo Planetarium.
The 37-year-old facility will receive a new finish on the dome, new seating, acoustical wall panels, lighting, and a new DigiStar projection system. The adjacent corridors will also receive new carpet, ceilings and paint along with a new accessible ramp and improved lighting.
The Digistar projection system will be able to display stars, planets, moons, eclipses, and other celestial phenomena on our 10-meter seamless dome. It is a computer-based 3-d model of space, allowing the use of any image, model, or special effect that can be digitally created. We can show the proper motion of stars, or even accurately present travelling through time and space. The possibilities for education and entertainment are endless!
The new system will have the entire universe there at our fingertips. Galaxies, nebulas, asteroids, comets, and even dynamic objects like meteors and supernovas can all be brought to life at the touch of a button, and presented in full 3-dimensional animation in our immersive theater. Celestial guides and all 88 constellation shapes can be projected on the dome.
Our astronomer and local educators are working together to create grade-specific curricula in accordance with New Jersey Core Standards for Science. When we reopen the new facility, every visiting school will have a grade-specific show created with the help of teachers, and receive supplemental materials to enhance the students’ interest and enthusiasm for space science.
The Digistar’s ability to provide both a live experience, as well as pre-recorded full-dome theater shows, will allow our facility to provide more programs to more people, and tailor the program to all who visit.
The state-of-the-art facility will be used for credit and non-credit courses as well as private and public programs. Public programs will continue to be offered on weekends. Please check back in March for updated information on the progress of this project and when we will begin to take reservations.
Contact:
Chris Fenwick, Planetarium Astronomer: 973-328-5755.
cfenwick@ccm.edu