James S. McDonnell Planetarium Progress Report

January-March 2026

McDonnell Planetarium Progress Report

Several weeks have passed since guests last saw a Planetarium Star Show and the announcement of a major upgrade not seen in the past 25+ years.  This pause comes with exciting changes that are coming early summer, including the installation of the GOTO Chiron III Hybrid Star Projector (the first of its kind to be installed in the United States) and a Cosm Digistar Full-Dome Data Visualization System, establishing us and the region as owners of the largest and most advanced hybrid planetarium in the nation.

During these past few weeks, crews have been working diligently to prep the space for the coming advancements, including clearer and brighter views of the cosmos, sharper and louder sound, and new accessibility features that include the Science Center’s first Auracast Bluetooth system for guests with hearing impairments and cochlear implants.

Removing the Zeiss

First, we had to say our final goodbyes to the ZEISS UNIVERSARIUM Mark IX as crews began the meticulous process of disassembling it, piece by historic piece. All lenses were removed, the operator console was disassembled, and each component was prepared for transport. The instrument is being preserved and, in the meantime, will get a second life helping other facilities and projectors to continue operating.

Dome Resurfacing

Next came resurfacing the 80-foot projection dome and additional work to install the new state-of-the-art surround sound system. Space was carved for new speakers around the perimeter of the dome which will significantly enhance the immersive experience to come.

The resurfacing process took a little over a week, during which both the inner and outer dome surfaces were thoroughly cleaned in preparation for a fresh coat of paint. The paint used was designed with a specific albedo, or reflectivity value, to ensure an optimal projection surface for the stars from the new GOTO Chiron III instrument and the projections from the Digistar Data Visualization System.

Lastly, the carpet was removed to make way for a refreshed design of the space. The new flooring will present a vibrant look that will enhance the classic experience of lying back and taking in the stars overhead.

As you can see, this isn’t downtime, it’s preparation for the exciting changes coming soon!