Recommended planetariums?

[hamadryad61]

Hi guys,

Went to Greenwich planetarium last week,got to admit,bit disappointed,the guy spent far too much time talking about the stories about signs of the zodiac,and very little time,on the planet's,and other galaxies etc.

Anyway,can anybody recommend another planetarium,for me and the kids

Thanks in advance

[szymon]

The London Planetarium near Madame Tussaud's used to be great, although it's many years since I was there...

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[hamadryad61]

The London Planetarium near Madame Tussaud's used to be great, although it's many years since I was there...

Been many years since that closed szymon,thanks anyway

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[szymon]

Doh! Sorry, that's a real shame :-(

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[Stu]

Bit of a trek, but the National Space Centre near Leicester may be worth a visit. They do various planetarium shows, some are a bit gimmicky but there may be others which are more focussed on the stars and planets etc

http://www.spacecentre.co.uk

Stu

[Ibbo!]

went to NSC last week and took in the night sky show

it was OK but I imagine you are looking for something a bit more "observational"  than the general public shows

the million watt green laser pointer was a bit off putting as well

[hamadryad61]

Bit of a trek, but the National Space Centre near Leicesteray be worth a visit. They do various planetarium shows, some are a bit gimmicky but there may be others which are more focussed on the stars and planets etc

http://www.spacecentre.co.uk

Stu

That looks good fun,going to give that a go.

My 6 year old,is fascinated with astronomy,and getting across how big it all is,is frankly proving difficult.

Thanks for this suggestion bigmac

[Paul73]

As an aside.

If you have a tablet computer, download Star Walk and take them outside, lie down on your backs and point it at the sky. You get the live experience. You can zoom in a bit and hit the DSO's for glossy pictures and more info. Might even see the odd meteorite!

My 6 yo loves the astronomy apps.

Paul

[Sirius Starwatcher]

Great advice Paul I use Skywalk a lot. Managed to plug my I pad into the tv to get the bigger family experience.

[hamadryad61]

As an aside.

If you have a tablet computer, download Star Walk and take them outside, lie down on your backs and point it at the sky. You get the live experience. You can zoom in a bit and hit the DSO's for glossy pictures and more info. Might even see the odd meteorite!

My 6 yo loves the astronomy apps.

Paul

Thanks for that Paul,il do that tonight,and report back

[Lee_P]

Hi,

I run the At-Bristol Planetarium, so am obviously a bit biased, but my shows are rather good  But to be honest our seasonal shows are similar to Greenwich's, in that we split our time between constellation spotting; astronomical objects; and myths. This is a good fit for what the majority of people enjoy, and what you'll find on offer in most domes. I'd love to do some shows more focused on what amateur astronomers can see, mind you.

As well as the NSC (already mentioned), consider checking out Thinktank (http://www.thinktank.ac/) and Winchester Science Centre (http://www.winchestersciencecentre.org/).

For a full list of UK Planetaria, this is the site to visit: http://www.planetarium.org.uk/planetaria.asp

Let me know if you're ever in Bristol and I'll give you and your family some behind-the-scenes time in my Planetarium.

 - Lee

[LukeSkywatcher]

I'd like to take a drive up to the Armagh planetarium at some stage. 

[hamadryad61]

Hi,

I run the At-Bristol Planetarium, so am obviously a bit biased, but my shows are rather good But to be honest our seasonal shows are similar to Greenwich's, in that we split our time between constellation spotting; astronomical objects; and myths. This is a good fit for what the majority of people enjoy, and what you'll find on offer in most domes. I'd love to do some shows more focused on what amateur astronomers can see, mind you.

As well as the NSC (already mentioned), consider checking out Thinktank (http://www.thinktank.ac/) and Winchester Science Centre (http://www.winchestersciencecentre.org/).

For a full list of UK Planetaria, this is the site to visit: http://www.planetarium.org.uk/planetaria.asp

Let me know if you're ever in Bristol and I'll give you and your family some behind-the-scenes time in my Planetarium.

- Lee

Thanks for that Lee I well might take you up on your offer,

Regards Dave

[nameunknown]

Liverpool has two planetaria

http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/events/planetarium-listings.aspx in the city center about 5 min walk from the railway station (still free I think) with an up to date digital system and up to four different shows a day. The museum is quite good as well.

http://www.spaceport.org.uk/experience/Pages/planetarium.aspx just across the river on the Wirral - a short walk to the ferry and a trip over the river from Liverpool. This one is not free.

As for using Star Walk on a large screen TV, it doesn't half make your arms ache

P

[bartyboy73]

I have been to the South Downs Planetarium several times in Chichester. It is really good and is mechanical rather than the new fangled digital ones so everything is to scale. The guy that runs is Dr Paul I think changes the programme with the season. It's only a few quid so gets a big

[jason dufton]

Is the national space centre good?

[Charic]

The last time I was in the LONDON Planetarium ( MadameTussauds) was to see a LASER ROCK CONCERT! Those were the days. rest back in those comfy seats, Senheisers on head,  and be mesmerised with the ability of the One Watt Krypton gas laser by its operator. Absolutely fantastic.  And prior to the show starting, the London skyline and the Stars were depicted around the dome from the 'Satellite' looking projector fixed in the centre of the dome. I never did get to see any Planetarium stuff back in those Days.  I have subsequently visited Greenwich to see the Meridian line , and Harrison's watch. 

As for visiting  Planetariums I can't advise you. My nearest in Scotland is Edinburgh, I think. I'll report if ever I do get the opportunity to visit. But for immediate use, I can recommend the FREEWARE program Stellarium. 

[fatwoul]

If you're ever near Plymouth, the University's Immersive Vision Theatre (IVT) puts on some good (albeit dizzying) astronomy shows sometimes.  It's run by a guy called Luke Christison.  I work at the university, and know Luke, so if you were interested I could find out for you.

[ollypenrice]

I don't know if the shows vary a great deal with presenters at the ROG? A friend does presentations there and I really don't see him spending long on signs of the Zodiac unless he had to!

Olly

[RikM]

Hi,

I run the At-Bristol Planetarium, so am obviously a bit biased, but my shows are rather good  But to be honest our seasonal shows are similar to Greenwich's, in that we split our time between constellation spotting; astronomical objects; and myths. This is a good fit for what the majority of people enjoy, and what you'll find on offer in most domes. I'd love to do some shows more focused on what amateur astronomers can see, mind you.

As well as the NSC (already mentioned), consider checking out Thinktank (http://www.thinktank.ac/) and Winchester Science Centre (http://www.winchestersciencecentre.org/).

For a full list of UK Planetaria, this is the site to visit: http://www.planetarium.org.uk/planetaria.asp

Let me know if you're ever in Bristol and I'll give you and your family some behind-the-scenes time in my Planetarium.

 - Lee

I was going to suggest the @Bristol planetarium. It was taking the kids to a show there that prompted me to put a bit more into my astronomy a few years ago. Thanks for that

[Lee_P]

I was going to suggest the @Bristol planetarium. It was taking the kids to a show there that prompted me to put a bit more into my astronomy a few years ago. Thanks for that

That's great, thanks for letting me know!