AVEL owns a portable Emerald inflatable planetarium dome, within which night sky imagery can Be projected. Ideal for education. With a selection of sky-panoramic films and surround-sound audio, the planetarium is an exciting tool for bringing the night sky into the classroom as part of learning about cosmology or as preparatory introductory session prior to stargazing trip to an Observatory.
The planetarium can be set up in any interior space with a 5m ceiling height and 6m diameter floor space
It can comfortable accommodate groups of up to 20
Hire terms
Because of the complex technical setup and operational requirements; transportation; the need for supplementary equipment (laptop and audio); dome-compatible films; and high cost of insurance, the planetarium can only be offered as part of an all-inclusive hire package. But this is always tailored to the specific audience/event and inlcudes.
Delivery, set up (and breakdown) of the planetarium equipment at your venue by an experienced Observatory star-guide/engineer
All equipment, dome-compatible films and teaching materials required
Running of the session including operation of the planetarium and a presentation (if required). However you can lead the presentation as a host/presenter if you would prefer, with the planetarium Star Guide undertaking a purely technical support role.
Full public liability insurance
Costs are obviously dependent on specific requirements (travel distance to venue, number of sessions required etc), bearing in mind that the star guides and the planetarium are all located in the north east of England. As a guide the cost is not likely to be less than £300 for a single day event.
Our pop-up planetarium in the Masonic Hall at Beamish, January 2018 (pic courtesy Gary Lintern)