SKYXPLORE DIGITAL PLANETARIUM IN THE PHILIPPINES
Published by: AlvinWritter (April 20, 2010)
SkyXplore SpaceDome Digital Planetarium brings the universe to schools in the Philippines starting at the Diliman Preparatory School in Quezon City.
April 30, 2010. SkyXplore Philippines was born
Inside the SkyXplore SpaceDome planetarium with Nikki Coseteng.
On that day, the Diliman Preparatory School in Quezon City launched it’s latest pride, a mobile SpaceDome Digital Planetarium System. It’s part of former Philippine Senator Anna Dominique “Nikki” M.L. Coseteng’s SkyXplore Project of her Discover and Probe the Skies (DPS) Foundation Inc. which she introduced with the help of professional astronomers Frederick Gabriana and wife Rochelle of the University of the Philippines Astronomical Society (UPAS) and Pyxis Astronomy. The launch included an exhibit of telescopes, space photographs, and meteorites originally from the personal collection of Allen Yu.
April 30, 2010. SkyXplore Philippines was born
Inside the SkyXplore SpaceDome planetarium with Nikki Coseteng.
On that day, the Diliman Preparatory School in Quezon City launched it’s latest pride, a mobile SpaceDome Digital Planetarium System. It’s part of former Philippine Senator Anna Dominique “Nikki” M.L. Coseteng’s SkyXplore Project of her Discover and Probe the Skies (DPS) Foundation Inc. which she introduced with the help of professional astronomers Frederick Gabriana and wife Rochelle of the University of the Philippines Astronomical Society (UPAS) and Pyxis Astronomy. The launch included an exhibit of telescopes, space photographs, and meteorites originally from the personal collection of Allen Yu.
Coseteng’s SkyXplore Project is an educational program stemming from her academic aspirations while serving as president of the Diliman Preparatory School. The mobile planetarium is one of the tools with which she explores new ways to educate Filipino students, giving them the opportunity to go beyond what’s taught and to learn from what’s possible using their creativity and imagination, thereby widening their experience beyond the confines of the classroom and textbook education. The planetarium uses compressed air to inflate and has a zippered entrance. It doesn’t look big from the outside, but it definitely can give a big show to audiences inside. Deflated, it is easily folded and stored in a light van or pickup for transport.
A meteorite display at the SkyXplore planetarium launch is inspected by Nikki Coseteng.
The SkyXplore SpaceDome Digital Planetarium uses a computer attached to a special planetarium projection system. It is Linux-based and uses an open-source software to display the heavens and show the sky as it appears at any time within the limits of the program. It is also able to display the constellations as other cultures see them. Astronomer Gabriana is including Filipino constellations in the program as described by indigenous peoples like the Aeta of Zambales. This project is being undertaken with the help of research made by Dr. Dante Ambrosio, a history professor of the University of the Philippines (UP). If completed by Gabriana, it will be the first time that Philippine constellations will be integrated in a planetarium program for the whole world to appreciate.
Coseteng’s DPS foundation takes the SkyXplore SpaceDome Planetarium to schools all over the country, promoting the science of astronomy and inspiring Filipino students to delve deeper into the fascinating world of science and technology. Ramon Acevedo, resident astronomer of the Seven Suites Hotel(along Sumulong Highway in Antipolo), showed his excitement at the launch of the SkyXplore Project. Educational astronomers like Acevedo hope that astronomy will become more popular in the Philippines through SkyXplore, as learning institutions are inspired by it to offer degree courses on the science. Astronomy is one subject that schools in the Philippines should give more attention to and astronomy professionals – amateurs, and hobbyists alike believe it’s high time that a few things change for the better in the Philippines’ educational system.
A meteorite display at the SkyXplore planetarium launch is inspected by Nikki Coseteng.
The SkyXplore SpaceDome Digital Planetarium uses a computer attached to a special planetarium projection system. It is Linux-based and uses an open-source software to display the heavens and show the sky as it appears at any time within the limits of the program. It is also able to display the constellations as other cultures see them. Astronomer Gabriana is including Filipino constellations in the program as described by indigenous peoples like the Aeta of Zambales. This project is being undertaken with the help of research made by Dr. Dante Ambrosio, a history professor of the University of the Philippines (UP). If completed by Gabriana, it will be the first time that Philippine constellations will be integrated in a planetarium program for the whole world to appreciate.
Coseteng’s DPS foundation takes the SkyXplore SpaceDome Planetarium to schools all over the country, promoting the science of astronomy and inspiring Filipino students to delve deeper into the fascinating world of science and technology. Ramon Acevedo, resident astronomer of the Seven Suites Hotel(along Sumulong Highway in Antipolo), showed his excitement at the launch of the SkyXplore Project. Educational astronomers like Acevedo hope that astronomy will become more popular in the Philippines through SkyXplore, as learning institutions are inspired by it to offer degree courses on the science. Astronomy is one subject that schools in the Philippines should give more attention to and astronomy professionals – amateurs, and hobbyists alike believe it’s high time that a few things change for the better in the Philippines’ educational system.
The SkyXplore SpaceDome fits easily in the Diliman Prep gymnasium.
It’s an accepted notion that astronomy is one science through which many people who, in their youth, have found inspiration in their decision to pursue degrees and careers in the sciences later in life. An interest in the shining objects in the sky is believed to have seeded the beginnings of science. It’s been said that the early peoples who first asked questions about the world around them began to wonder about the stars. With the SkyXplore SpaceDome Digital Planetarium in the Philippines, many more Filipinos will likely be asking and wondering about their place in the universe once they experience outer space inside the SpaceDome. It’s an unforgettable experience for everyone!
It’s an accepted notion that astronomy is one science through which many people who, in their youth, have found inspiration in their decision to pursue degrees and careers in the sciences later in life. An interest in the shining objects in the sky is believed to have seeded the beginnings of science. It’s been said that the early peoples who first asked questions about the world around them began to wonder about the stars. With the SkyXplore SpaceDome Digital Planetarium in the Philippines, many more Filipinos will likely be asking and wondering about their place in the universe once they experience outer space inside the SpaceDome. It’s an unforgettable experience for everyone!
SKYXPLORE LAUNCHES FOR THE PUBLIC Diliman Preparatory School finally opens its landmark program SkyXplore- Astronomy Awareness Program on May 19 and May 28, at 4 pm, at the Commonwealth Avenue campus of Diliman Prep. The main feature of the program is the Digital Mobile Planetarium, supported by film showing, a space photo exhibition, interaction with real astronomers, and optional viewing through powerful solar telescopes.
The digital mobile planetarium, the first and only one of its kind in the Philippines, will be stationed at the Diliman Prep campus under the end of May 2010, and will be set up in various schools in Metro Manila and the provinces starting June 2010.
Activity 1: DIGITAL PLANETARIUM
a simulated display of the day- and night-time sky and celestial objects; engages the students in a personal sense of wonder and discovery in a unique digital environment.
A planetarium is an ideal fun environment for children and adults to learn about the Earth and our place in the Solar System. Interactive shows encourage the students to participate and ask questions. All presentations, including a tour of the night sky and main constellations are exciting and stimulating, information and memorable.
Activity 2: FILM SHOWING
International Tear of Astronomy 2009 Official Movie — The Eyes on the Sky — DVD movie, and accompanying book, explore the many facets of the telescope, its historical development, scientific importance, technological breakthroughs, and the people behind this ground-breaking invention, their triumphs and failures.
Activity 3: SPACE PHOTO EXHIBITION
showcases the following:
* NASA SPACE PHOTOS AND IYA 2009 PHOTOS — a collection of stunning photographs about the solar system, deep sky objects, space exploration and a lot more
* METEORITE EXHIBIT. meteorites are among the rarest materials that exist on our planet, far less common than gold, diamonds or even emeralds, and are also the oldest things any human has touched.
Though meteorites may appear to be just boring rocks, they are extremely important that we can analyze them carefully in our labs. Aside from the few kilos of moon rocks brought back by the Apollo and Luna space missions, meteorites are our only material evidence of the universe beyond the Earth.
Activity 4: ASK-AN-ASTRONOMER
Our astronomers provide first-rate and easy-to-digest astronomical information to students and teachers. This activity is a combination of curriculum-related material and the latest scientific discoveries (customized at an appropriate level for the age and ability of the students) all under a precise presentation wrapped up in an enthusing, motivational live discussion. Students are given the chance to unveil their innate curiosity and fascination about the universe around us. Its an ask-all, tell-all moment for our budding scientists.
BONUS ACTIVITIES Provided the sky is clear and the weather is good, these are merely add-on activities
* SOLAR TELESCOPE VIEWING– students get the change to experience actual viewing of the Sun. Solar telescopes usually detect light with wavelengths in, or not far outside, the visible spectrum.
* STARGAZING — all participants gather at night for the actual observation of the night sky using high-powered state-of-the-art telescopes designed to provide optimal viewing experience.
Membership in the SKY EXPLORERS CLUB
A nationwide organization dedicated to promote astronomy awareness and to enhance the application of astronomical science in education.
Membership is open to all students, teachers, amateur astronomer and astronomy enthusiasts all over the Philippines. Members regularly share their knowledge, time and effort bringing the amazing aspect of astronomy and wonders of the unknown universe to every Filipino.
For interested schools and institutions that wish to acquire a schedule for the Digital Mobile Planetarium may contact 09164806646
The digital mobile planetarium, the first and only one of its kind in the Philippines, will be stationed at the Diliman Prep campus under the end of May 2010, and will be set up in various schools in Metro Manila and the provinces starting June 2010.
Activity 1: DIGITAL PLANETARIUM
a simulated display of the day- and night-time sky and celestial objects; engages the students in a personal sense of wonder and discovery in a unique digital environment.
A planetarium is an ideal fun environment for children and adults to learn about the Earth and our place in the Solar System. Interactive shows encourage the students to participate and ask questions. All presentations, including a tour of the night sky and main constellations are exciting and stimulating, information and memorable.
Activity 2: FILM SHOWING
International Tear of Astronomy 2009 Official Movie — The Eyes on the Sky — DVD movie, and accompanying book, explore the many facets of the telescope, its historical development, scientific importance, technological breakthroughs, and the people behind this ground-breaking invention, their triumphs and failures.
Activity 3: SPACE PHOTO EXHIBITION
showcases the following:
* NASA SPACE PHOTOS AND IYA 2009 PHOTOS — a collection of stunning photographs about the solar system, deep sky objects, space exploration and a lot more
* METEORITE EXHIBIT. meteorites are among the rarest materials that exist on our planet, far less common than gold, diamonds or even emeralds, and are also the oldest things any human has touched.
Though meteorites may appear to be just boring rocks, they are extremely important that we can analyze them carefully in our labs. Aside from the few kilos of moon rocks brought back by the Apollo and Luna space missions, meteorites are our only material evidence of the universe beyond the Earth.
Activity 4: ASK-AN-ASTRONOMER
Our astronomers provide first-rate and easy-to-digest astronomical information to students and teachers. This activity is a combination of curriculum-related material and the latest scientific discoveries (customized at an appropriate level for the age and ability of the students) all under a precise presentation wrapped up in an enthusing, motivational live discussion. Students are given the chance to unveil their innate curiosity and fascination about the universe around us. Its an ask-all, tell-all moment for our budding scientists.
BONUS ACTIVITIES Provided the sky is clear and the weather is good, these are merely add-on activities
* SOLAR TELESCOPE VIEWING– students get the change to experience actual viewing of the Sun. Solar telescopes usually detect light with wavelengths in, or not far outside, the visible spectrum.
* STARGAZING — all participants gather at night for the actual observation of the night sky using high-powered state-of-the-art telescopes designed to provide optimal viewing experience.
Membership in the SKY EXPLORERS CLUB
A nationwide organization dedicated to promote astronomy awareness and to enhance the application of astronomical science in education.
Membership is open to all students, teachers, amateur astronomer and astronomy enthusiasts all over the Philippines. Members regularly share their knowledge, time and effort bringing the amazing aspect of astronomy and wonders of the unknown universe to every Filipino.
For interested schools and institutions that wish to acquire a schedule for the Digital Mobile Planetarium may contact 09164806646
NEWS ABOUT SKYXPLORE (Astronomy Awareness Program)
We covered the Philippines’ first mobile digital planetarium and we want you, SP readers, to be the first to hear about it.
By Justine Camacho-Tajonera
SP had the privilege of getting a star gazing session at the Philippines’ first Mobile Digital Planetarium located at the Diliman Preparatory School along Commonwealth Avenue last May 18, 2010. We first heard about it on the news and we definitely wanted you, our dear SP moms and dads, to be one of the first to hear about this educational facility. Go on an amazing science field trip. Bring your preschooler or big kid to this fantastic planetarium and spark their interest in the sciences.
Built for Future Filipino Scientists, Astronomers and Astrophysicists
“I didn’t bring this planetarium to the Philippines for college and postgraduate students,” says former senator and President & CEO of Diliman Preparatory School, Anna Dominique “Nikki” M. Coseteng. “I brought it here for the kids. I don’t want to limit the big dreamers and the future leaders just because they don’t have the proper equipment and the chance to see what’s possible. This is for the future Filipino scientists, astronomers and astrophysicists.”
Ms. Coseteng personally invested in the planetarium, called SkyXplore, and made sure that it was mobile in structure so that it could be toured around the Philippines. Right now, it is located in the Diliman Preparatory School which was put up by Ms. Coseteng’s mother, Alicia M. Coseteng, 41 years ago.
Advocating a Love of Learning: Doman System, EPIP and Robotics
“I believe that learning isn’t all theory and concepts. Life is about knowing how to solve problems practically. Kids are very astute and eager to learn. It is us adults who actually stunt their capacity to learn by putting limits to what they can study,” further explains Ms. Coseteng. This is why she brought the Glenn Doman Gentle Revolution System to her school and made it part of the Early Childhood Education curriculum. This system can be used by parents with babies as old as six months. As long as parents don’t use the tools as a way to pressure their children but rather, as a way for kids to just naturally learn and enjoy the process, the system has been guaranteed to be effective. Coseteng not only invested in the Planetarium and the Doman System but also in a proprietary English Proficiency Intervention Program (EPIP) and a robotics lab for kids as young as preschoolers.
Highly Interactive and Based on Actual Scientific Observation
The planetarium is inside a bubble tent, seven meters in diameter and can be set up from scratch in about twenty minutes. According to Coseteng, the planetarium itself was made in Argentina but the technology behind it comes from the U.S. “This planetarium is highly interactive and is based on the current location of the heavenly bodies in relation to the earth. Kids will be exposed to the fascinating world of astronomy and physics by simply being inside the planetarium,” she adds. Astronomy is actually an ancient science and one in which scientific observation is very evident. Scientists from long ago wrote down their observations of the night sky and recorded them over thousands of years, creating very precise predictions and measurements.
First, we all saw a 180 degree view of the sky with a glaring sun. We weren’t really impressed yet. But when Eyna Domingo, our astronomer guide, informed us that she was going to remove the effects of the atmosphere from the picture and expose us to the real sky, we waited with baited breath. The effect was dramatic. The planetarium darkened and we were all amazed at the sight of the stars as they were positioned over the daytime sky.Celestial Fireworks
Eyna went on to explain that she could move our perspective from the earth to the moon or to any planet we chose. Using real images captured by NASA, we marveled over the view of the earth and the other planets, getting dizzy in the process. We had to sit on the floor and lie back to really appreciate the celestial fireworks in front of our eyes, especially when we witnessed meteor showers. Professor Camilo Dacanay of the Philippine Astronomical society, an astrophysicist working with Coseteng on SkyXplore, was seated beside me, exclaiming excitedly over a super nova that is visible to our telescopes today but that occurred in 1054 A.D.
A Time Machine
The planetarium is also a time machine of sorts. Eyna could change the date on her controls to reflect the sky at the exact date and time of anyone’s birthday. She even showed us the exact location and time (it was exactly 7:38 p.m.) when the crescent moon was right below Venus last May 16, Sunday. Towards the end of our session, she showed us the date 100,000 and how Polaris was no longer the North Star because of the Earth’s subtle “wobble” changes (called the earth’s precession).
We saw constellations, galaxies and stars far, far away, each one conveniently labeled, sometimes with images of Orion, lions and bears that were imaginatively identified during the time of the ancient Greeks. We also got an extra treat: 360 degree movie trailers of educational shows that gave us beautiful views of space and the inner workings of molecules and electrons. The real movies are coming soon.
Book a Science Field Trip Now
If you want your preschooler or big kid to experience this amazing, interactive and very educational science field trip in astronomy and physics, call up Joy Onguda or Chris of the Marketing department of the Diliman Preparatory school at 951-0382 and book your seats for a special show on May 28 (followed by an actual star gazing session). The session on May 28 costs P300/ per person. Or check the schedule of the planetarium tour. Maybe you’ll be able to visit it at a nearby school soon.
By Justine Camacho-Tajonera
SP had the privilege of getting a star gazing session at the Philippines’ first Mobile Digital Planetarium located at the Diliman Preparatory School along Commonwealth Avenue last May 18, 2010. We first heard about it on the news and we definitely wanted you, our dear SP moms and dads, to be one of the first to hear about this educational facility. Go on an amazing science field trip. Bring your preschooler or big kid to this fantastic planetarium and spark their interest in the sciences.
Built for Future Filipino Scientists, Astronomers and Astrophysicists
“I didn’t bring this planetarium to the Philippines for college and postgraduate students,” says former senator and President & CEO of Diliman Preparatory School, Anna Dominique “Nikki” M. Coseteng. “I brought it here for the kids. I don’t want to limit the big dreamers and the future leaders just because they don’t have the proper equipment and the chance to see what’s possible. This is for the future Filipino scientists, astronomers and astrophysicists.”
Ms. Coseteng personally invested in the planetarium, called SkyXplore, and made sure that it was mobile in structure so that it could be toured around the Philippines. Right now, it is located in the Diliman Preparatory School which was put up by Ms. Coseteng’s mother, Alicia M. Coseteng, 41 years ago.
Advocating a Love of Learning: Doman System, EPIP and Robotics
“I believe that learning isn’t all theory and concepts. Life is about knowing how to solve problems practically. Kids are very astute and eager to learn. It is us adults who actually stunt their capacity to learn by putting limits to what they can study,” further explains Ms. Coseteng. This is why she brought the Glenn Doman Gentle Revolution System to her school and made it part of the Early Childhood Education curriculum. This system can be used by parents with babies as old as six months. As long as parents don’t use the tools as a way to pressure their children but rather, as a way for kids to just naturally learn and enjoy the process, the system has been guaranteed to be effective. Coseteng not only invested in the Planetarium and the Doman System but also in a proprietary English Proficiency Intervention Program (EPIP) and a robotics lab for kids as young as preschoolers.
Highly Interactive and Based on Actual Scientific Observation
The planetarium is inside a bubble tent, seven meters in diameter and can be set up from scratch in about twenty minutes. According to Coseteng, the planetarium itself was made in Argentina but the technology behind it comes from the U.S. “This planetarium is highly interactive and is based on the current location of the heavenly bodies in relation to the earth. Kids will be exposed to the fascinating world of astronomy and physics by simply being inside the planetarium,” she adds. Astronomy is actually an ancient science and one in which scientific observation is very evident. Scientists from long ago wrote down their observations of the night sky and recorded them over thousands of years, creating very precise predictions and measurements.
First, we all saw a 180 degree view of the sky with a glaring sun. We weren’t really impressed yet. But when Eyna Domingo, our astronomer guide, informed us that she was going to remove the effects of the atmosphere from the picture and expose us to the real sky, we waited with baited breath. The effect was dramatic. The planetarium darkened and we were all amazed at the sight of the stars as they were positioned over the daytime sky.Celestial Fireworks
Eyna went on to explain that she could move our perspective from the earth to the moon or to any planet we chose. Using real images captured by NASA, we marveled over the view of the earth and the other planets, getting dizzy in the process. We had to sit on the floor and lie back to really appreciate the celestial fireworks in front of our eyes, especially when we witnessed meteor showers. Professor Camilo Dacanay of the Philippine Astronomical society, an astrophysicist working with Coseteng on SkyXplore, was seated beside me, exclaiming excitedly over a super nova that is visible to our telescopes today but that occurred in 1054 A.D.
A Time Machine
The planetarium is also a time machine of sorts. Eyna could change the date on her controls to reflect the sky at the exact date and time of anyone’s birthday. She even showed us the exact location and time (it was exactly 7:38 p.m.) when the crescent moon was right below Venus last May 16, Sunday. Towards the end of our session, she showed us the date 100,000 and how Polaris was no longer the North Star because of the Earth’s subtle “wobble” changes (called the earth’s precession).
We saw constellations, galaxies and stars far, far away, each one conveniently labeled, sometimes with images of Orion, lions and bears that were imaginatively identified during the time of the ancient Greeks. We also got an extra treat: 360 degree movie trailers of educational shows that gave us beautiful views of space and the inner workings of molecules and electrons. The real movies are coming soon.
Book a Science Field Trip Now
If you want your preschooler or big kid to experience this amazing, interactive and very educational science field trip in astronomy and physics, call up Joy Onguda or Chris of the Marketing department of the Diliman Preparatory school at 951-0382 and book your seats for a special show on May 28 (followed by an actual star gazing session). The session on May 28 costs P300/ per person. Or check the schedule of the planetarium tour. Maybe you’ll be able to visit it at a nearby school soon.
DZRH NEWS (MAY 02, 2010)
Isang high-tech, digital at mobile Planetarium ang malapit nang buksan sa Quezon City. Ito ang Spacedome Mobile Digital Planetarium na proyekto ng Philippine Skyxplore Project at ng Diliman Preparatory School sa pangunguna ni dating Senadora Nikki Coseteng.
Sa unang tingin, hindi daw ka-mangha-manga ang istruktura ng nasabing planetarium. Ngunit pag nag-umpisa nang patayin ang mga ilaw at paganahin ang mga makina, teleskopyo, computers at projectors, ang mga taong nasa loob ay tila napupunta na sa kalawakan at nakikita ang labas ng mundo.
Ayon sa grupong nagtulak na matuloy ang proyektong ito, kakaiba ang digital planetarium dahil malinaw, mas “accurate” at “real-time” ang ipinapakita nilang imahe ng kalawakan.
Bahagi ng proyekto na hindi lang ipakita ang galing nga mga Filipino Astronomers at Inventors, kundi mas lalo pang hikayatin ang mga mag-aaral, hindi lang ng Diliman Preparatory School na maging interesado sa paksa ng siyensya, astronomiya at maging physics. Sa katunayan, balak na nila itong isama sa kurikulum ng eskwelahan.
At nang tanungin kung hindi ba magiging napakamahal nito, ang sagot ni Ginang Coseteng, “Mahal kung tutuusin. Kasi ang purpose nito ay para matuto ang mga bata. Mas piliin na natin ito kaysa naman gustuhin nating huwag gumastos at manatiling mangmang ang ating mga kabataan, mas higit na malaki ang halagang ibabayad natin kung magka-ganoon…”
Magsisimulang buksan ng DPS sa publiko ang mobile planetarium sa May 6, araw ng Huwebes.
NIKKI SEES STAR
By Robbie Pangilinan
Former senator Nikki Coseteng is seeing stars. No, not showbiz personalities, although she really rubs elbows with celebrities, having been a congresswoman, senator, TV host, radio commentator and one-time actress.
The stars that Nikki sees are the real, celestial ones. And she sees them not with her naked eye but through a high-powered telescope. This telescope, along with other technological advances in astronomy like the Philippines’ first ever and only 7-meter diameter digital mobile planetarium, are featured in Diliman Preparatory School’s (DPS) Astronomy Center, a complete resource for astronomy education in the Philippines.
A woman of the future, Nikki is known to have brought innovations to the world of learning in DPS. This latest addition, the P10-million Astronomy Center, is just the start of many astronomy programs and projects of the Discover and Probe the Skies (DPS) Foundation, Inc. that aims to support education and research in astronomy in the country.
Nikki proudly says, “We want to raise the awareness, interest, knowledge and understanding of astronomy among students and the general public. Many students are not given the chance to go to a planetarium and experience the universe while on Earth, so we will bring the planetarium to them instead.”
This program is called the SKYXPLORE, an astronomy outreach program that goes to different schools nationwide. Activities include viewing the digital planetarium, a simulated display of the day- and night-time sky and celestial objects; film showing of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 Official Movie, The Eyes on the Skies; an astronomical exhibit that showcases NASA space photos and a collection of stunning photographs and time-lapse videos of the world’s most beautiful and historic sites against a night-time backdrop of stars, planets and celestial events; a meteorite exhibit; the Ask-An-Astronomer Activity where an all-UP team of astronomers answers questions. #
EXPLORING THE UNIVERSE By Robbie Pangilinan
With the coming of the digital mobile planetarium to the country, exploring the universe has never been easier and better. Diliman Preparatory School (DPS) opens the Philippines’ first ever and only 7-meter diameter digital mobile planetarium as part of the DPS Astronomy Center, a complete resource for astronomy education in the Philippines.
Wikipedia defines a planetarium as a theater built primarily for presenting educational and entertaining shows about astronomy and the night sky, or for training in celestial navigation. Almost all planetariums have large dome-shaped projection screens to simulate the ‘motions of the heavens’. Viewers can watch realistic images of stars, planets and other celestial objects. The Hayden Planetarium is the largest planetarium with a 20-meter dome seating 430 people. There are also three-meter portable domes.
In the Philippines, there are several planetariums, the most popular of which is the National Museum Planetarium at the Rizal Park Complex. It has a 16-meter inner dome where 8,500 stars are projected. The projector can project the night sky as it appeared in the past or will appear in the future. The planetarium can seat a maximum of 310 viewers with four daily shows. In addition, the octagonal wall of the lobby has three-dimensional glass diorama exhibits and photos of mysterious inner space objects.
The 88-seater PAGASA Planetarium at the Science Garden has a projector that can project 3,550 stars, five major planets, the Sun and the Moon. It also has an ordinary slide projector for solar system slide showing. The planetarium offers educational tours for elementary and high school students where they can learn about the universe, its creation, history and possible future as well as the development of the solar system.
DPS opens the first mobile digital planetarium system in the country. Bamm Gabriana, Astronomy Consultant of the Discover and Probe the Skies Foundation, Inc., explains, “A digital planetarium is a computer with specialized software connected to a high-resolution fish-eye projector. We can update the software by connecting the computer to the internet. We can even download data about comet and asteroids that were discovered, say, yesterday!”
The digital mobile planetarium, with a 7-meter dome, is the largest in the country. Because it is digital, the planetarium has capabilities that non-digital planetariums do not have. These are the ability to see how the sky looks like from other places on earth and from the surface of other planets; zoom in to planets, stars clusters, nebulas, and galaxies; quickly see how the sky looks like on the day you were born; show constellation artwork from several cultures; show constellation lines, boundaries, and special lines; show astronomical coordinate systems (both equatorial and horizontal); and show information about any selected object in the sky.
The SM Mall of Asia’s Science Discovery Center also has a digital planetarium called Digistar which has a 15-meter dome. Digistar is a fully interactive, three-dimensional planetarium with all-dome video playback, complete with star field and astronomical capabilities, with digital surround sound for total viewing pleasure. But Bamm says that Digistar does not have any planetarium shows. “It's just like watching a movie in a full-dome screen,” he clarifies.
The DPS mobile planetarium is far beyond compare to the old planetariums. “The difference is astronomical,” Bamm says. You have to come to our planetarium and experience it. All my explanations will not give you an idea of how good it is unless you see it for yourself,” is Bamm’s encouragement to viewers.
This planetarium is all set to change the world of learning and the way we have looked at the universe. It will be brought directly to schools so instead of students paying for a bus and traveling all the way to the planetarium’s location, they just pay for the entrance fees.
Planetariums make people experience and explore the vast universe. The whole wide cosmos becomes within reach through technological advances such as the digital mobile planetarium.
DIGITAL PLANETARIUM WOWS FOREIGN STUDENTS
By Robbie Pangilinan
Chinese, Korean and Japanese students of Diliman Preparatory School (DPS) are amazed at the latest innovation brought by DPS president Nikki Coseteng to the world of learning: the DPS Astronomy Center.
The foreign students, though coming from countries more developed than the Philippines, are in awe of such advanced and complete resource for astronomy education in the country. The DPS Astronomy Center features educational exhibits, services, and equipment to enhance the study of astronomy and inspire young people to be future scientists.
What completely left the students captivated is the Philippines’ first ever and only 7-meter diameter digital mobile planetarium, the largest in the country. Because it is digital, the students are able to experience very realistic images of the universe. “The stars actually twinkle!,” exclaims one of the astronomers.
The students can also see how the sky looks like from other places on earth and from the surface of other planets; zoom in to planets, stars clusters, nebulas, and galaxies; quickly see how the sky looks like on the day you were born; show constellation artwork from several cultures; show constellation lines, boundaries, and special lines; show astronomical coordinate systems (both equatorial and horizontal); and show information about any selected object in the sky.
The DPS Astronomy Center will launch an astronomy outreach program called the SKYXPLORE which will go to different schools nationwide. Activities include viewing the digital planetarium, a simulated display of the day- and night-time sky and celestial objects; film showing of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 Official Movie, The Eyes on the Skies; an astronomical exhibit that showcases NASA space photos and a collection of stunning photographs and time-lapse videos of the world’s most beautiful and historic sites against a night-time backdrop of stars, planets and celestial events; a meteorite exhibit; the Ask-An-Astronomer Activity where an all-UP team of astronomers answers questions.
