The Johannesburg Planetarium has undergone a major upgrade. The renovated planetarium aims to give visitors a unique experience going forward with its new state-of-the-art digital projectors.
New Digital Dome launched
Over the past two years, the Johannesburg Planetarium has undergone extensive renovations. This included the replacement of the old analogue Zeiss projector with 10 high-resolution digital projectors. This upgrade will change the way in which visitors to the planetarium will be able to experience research and science.
Wits University, in collaboration with Anglo American, unveiled the new Wits Anglo American Digital Dome on Tuesday, 12 November 2024. The Digital Dome offers a completely new, interactive and innovative way for visitors to engage with various disciplines of science and research.
The new Wits Anglo Digital Dome offers a 360° immersive experience for visitors of all ages. The planetarium offers a variety of shows for young and old. It will also serve as a modern teaching venue and a collaborative research space where scientists and students can visualise their work. It will span a variety of disciplines including astrophysics, the digital arts, artificial medicine, microbiology, and also precision medicine.
First full-sized planetarium in Africa
The University of the Witwatersrand owns the Johannesburg Planetarium located on the university’s east campus in Braamfontein.Â
Markedly, over the past 60 years, the planetarium has attracted between 60 000 and 80 000 learners every year. Many of these learners were introduced to the world of our solar system during these visits.
The Johannesburg Planetarium was the first full-sized planetarium in Africa and also the second in the southern hemisphere. Since its inauguration in 1960, it has played a significant role in inspiring countless individuals, from young learners to adults and experienced scientists.
A significant moment in the history of the planetarium
The Johannesburg Planetarium was the first venue in South Africa to screen footage of Apollo 11 landing on the moon in 1969. This was a defining moment in the planetarium’s history. The monumental occasion brought the excitement of the global space race to Johannesburg, giving local people the chance to see one of the most significant accomplishments in human history.
Have you visited the Johannesburg Planetarium?
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