AFTER a long hiatus, stargazers will be able to get their fill with the re-opening of Launceston's Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery's planetarium.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Relocated from the old Royal Park museum site to Inveresk, the planetarium was officially re-opened last night after undergoing a major upgrade and the fitting of a new Zeiss star projector.
The planetarium is now capable of projecting 8500 stars onto an 8-metre dome.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTURES
Guests will be able to view the wonders of the sky in comfort, with the installation of 40 padded, reclining high-back, airline-style seats.
In order to celebrate the relaunch of the planetarium, Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said three sessions would be held for the public each day for two weeks, totally free of charge.
Planetarium manager Martin George said the relaunch coincided with the International Year of Astronomy.
``From five to 95, it raises the understanding of how science works,'' Mr George said. ``People really need more opportunities to understand science. The magic of astronomy is that it captures the imagination and at the same time it teaches the real nitty gritty of
science.''
Free daily sessions will be held at 11am, 2pm and 4pm from today until Sunday, October 25. Bookings can be made on 6323 3798.
FULL REPORT AND MORE PICTURES IN TOMORROW'S EXAMINER
