Stardome’s stars have been saved

4th July 2007

Media Release – Stardome Observatory

Stardome’s stars have been saved

Stardome moves into the digital age and is gearing up to take you on an exciting journey to the far reaches of the Universe.

2008 will see Stardome’s planetarium go fully digital, it will be the first time this cutting edge technology has been introduced to New Zealand and will give audiences a simulated environment that closely emulates the journey through space and out into the universe.

This upgrade has been made possible with the partnerships formed with ASB Community Trust, The Lion Foundation and support from Auckland City Council.

Craig Garner CEO at Stardome Observatory said ‘We are thrilled that the project can now get underway thanks to the backing of these funding partners and their belief in the philosophy of Stardome Observatory as an important educational resource to the Auckland region and NZ’. ‘This full dome technology is exceptionally dynamic in the way that high definition images and sound are delivered to the dome. The immersive experience is like no other bringing an environment that is all encompassing, conveying a truly striking and memorable voyage into space’.

‘ The delivery of our programmes hinges on the way we can communicate astronomy science, the upgrade will not only allow us to make our products more exciting it will give us the tools to introduce more local flavor into our facility’.

Craig went on to say that ‘Earlier in the year when the media reported that Stardome may have to close its doors if it could not get some financial backing, the public response was tremendous with hundreds of people registering on line to show their support, we were humbled that so many Aucklanders were concerned about our survival and I am sure it has helped our case, so a big thank you to Auckland for getting behind us’.

The task of commissioning the improvements can now get underway, where a project management team to oversee the upgrade has recently been appointed.
‘For now it is business as usual at Stardome with lots of exciting events on the horizon, the upgrade should happen early in 2008 but we will keep everyone up to date with progress via our website and newsletters’ said Craig

For more information as to what is happening at Stardome you can visit their website www.stardome.org.nz

ENDS

Stardome Observatory
One Tree Hill Domain
Auckland

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