Angelo State University Planetarium Adds New Attraction

SAN ANGELO, TX - The Angelo State University Planetarium recently received a new "GeoDome Globe" in the facility’s front lobby/display area that will “provide state-of-the-art learning and research opportunities for ASU students.”  

The university states that this will be an “exciting new element for community visitors of all ages.”

According to ASU, the GeoDome Globe is about 4 feet in diameter and features an "OmniFocus" 4K dual laser projection system and a touchscreen kiosk with audio. 

The information states that it also utilizes a high-performance image generator and WorldViewer software to provide 360-degree global views of a wide array of programs and subjects, including:

• Solar System programs
• Current weather patterns, precipitation, and temperatures
• Current satellite tracks and locations
• Volcanic and tectonic activity over the last 10,000 years
• Historical extreme weather data, including tropical storms, hurricanes, etc.
• Paleo, geographical, astronomical, and historical maps
• Astronomy programs specifically for kids

The system is also equipped with the “Eyes on the Earth” software that was created in collaboration with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. 

Students and visitors can use the interactive controls to access real-time NASA data on the Earth’s “vital signs,” including air temperature, carbon dioxide, sea levels, ozone, ice, and water.

They can also explore previous NASA mission data on the Earth’s oceans, atmosphere, and land masses. NASA-curated tours and 3-D explorations of planets and their moons, asteroids, and other objects in the solar system are also available.

Additionally, the WorldViewer software will allow ASU faculty and students to create images, shows, and content for the GeoDome Globe and the Planetarium.

“We are very excited to have the new display in the Planetarium lobby,” said Dr. Kenneth Carrell, Planetarium director. “It will allow visitors to see excellent high-resolution images and data about our Earth and space, and it will allow faculty in our Department of Physics and Geosciences to create interactive and immersive content for our classes and the community. Many faculty members already have excellent ideas and plans on incorporating this new teaching tool into classes at various levels, as well as research projects.”

The ASU Planetarium annually welcomes about 3,000 visitors of all ages, including groups from local and area K-12 schools, scouting programs, assisted living facilities, and various community organizations, the university reports. 

Additionally, the public Planetarium shows offered weekly during the spring and fall semesters average about 3,500 attendees annually. The lobby/display area where the GeoDome Globe is located is also open daily to ASU students and the community during regular business hours.

The purchase of the GeoDome Globe from The Elumenati was funded through ASU’s Hispanic Serving Institution – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (HSI-STEM) grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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