HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The
State Museum of Pennsylvania's
planetarium has been upgraded and is now one of the most
state-of-the-art in the nation. The planetarium's new
high-resolution digital projection system is one of only four
currently operating in the United
States.
The SciDome XD system provides five times the brightness and
display capabilities of the planetarium's former projector. It also
offers full-dome video presentations and real-time astronomy
simulation for educational presentations.
The SciDome XD system is produced by Spitz Incorporated, a
planetarium manufacturer and distributor located in Chadds Ford, Delaware County.
"Our new Planetarium XD projector is bigger, brighter and
bolder," Museum Director David Dunn
said. "The XD stands for extreme definition and I can attest
that it is indeed a spectacular upgrade to a very beloved museum
feature."
The State Museum has purchased two new full-dome shows to take
advantage of the SciDome XD's high ranging capabilities. "We
are Astronomers" (for grade 4 & up) is an exciting look at the
global collaboration, technology, and dedication required to answer
the unresolved questions of the universe.
"Legends of the Night Sky: Perseus & Andromeda" (for pre-K
to grade 2) is an animated, fun-filled retelling of the age-old
myth of the Princess Andromeda and the Greek hero, Perseus. Both
shows are available through Dec. 30.
A full schedule of show times is available at
www.statemuseumpa.org. Planetarium shows are $2 per person in addition to general admission
and are free to State Museum Affiliate Members.
"Our returning visitors are astounded at the enhanced clarity
and definition of the new system," says Planetarium Director
Linda Powell, who is upgrading The
State Museum's existing show library to supplement the new
offerings. "Many favorite presentations will be back in 2013,
brighter and clearer than before."
In addition to the "XD" planetarium experience, visitors will
find new interactive kiosks exploring astronomy. "Viewspace" is a
direct feed from the Space Telescope Science Institute. It features
the latest missions and studies involving a network of telescopes,
including the Hubble Space Telescope.
"NASA Space Place," offers up-to-date information on NASA's
research and exploration initiatives and The State Museum's popular
collection of moon rocks has a new installation.
The State Museum of Pennsylvania, adjacent to the State Capitol in
Harrisburg, is one of 25 historic
sites and museums administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission as part of the Pennsylvania Trails of
History®.
The State Museum offers expansive collections interpreting
Pennsylvania's fascinating
heritage. With exhibits examining the dawn of geologic time, the
Native American experience, the colonial and revolutionary era, a
pivotal Civil War battleground, and the commonwealth's vast
industrial age, The State Museum demonstrates that Pennsylvania's story is America's story.
Museum hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4
for children and senior citizens.
For more information about the museum, visit
www.statemuseumpa.org.
Media contact: Howard
Pollman, 717-705-8639
Editor's Note: The State Museum will be open Friday, Nov. 23, the day after Thanksgiving, with planetarium shows scheduled on
the hour from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for
people looking for an alternative to holiday shopping.
SOURCE Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission