Planetarium Show Details

 

(c) Deborah Johnson photography

(c) Gloucestershire Media

Simon's Space Odyssey Space Dome planetarium presentations are an amazing multimedia experience designed to excite and inspire everyone, children and adults alike!

In September 2010, Space Odyssey became the first planetarium in the UK to be equipped with the sensational Franco-Spanish MIP1080 portable, "Full-Dome" digital projection system. "Full-Dome" systems project images throughout the inner surface of a dome to create a breathtaking, immersive experience that envelops the audience.

With this incredible new projection technology, Simon is able to show stunning graphics and advanced computer simulations throughout the dome to further enhance the amazing, interactive learning environment the Space Odyssey planetarium provides. "Full-Dome" digital projection is used in the world's leading planetarium domes such as at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich and the Hayden Planetarium in New York.

Above: children experience Space Odyssey's stunning new Full-Dome digital projection technology

Each of Simon's presentations is carefully planned to suit the audience involved and can be further tailored on request to cater for particular interests or requirements. Since he presented Space Odyssey's very first dome experience in November 2004, Simon has guided over 116,000 children and adults on a breathtaking voyage of discovery in Space Odyssey's two domes!

Regardless of which size of dome is used, every Space Odyssey presentation involves the same, stunning state-of-the-art technology!

Please select your area of interest from this list to find out more . .

School shows

    • interactive, exciting, hi-tech shows for every age from Foundation to A-level, with prices starting at just £250
    • all presentations carefully planned and delivered to suit the students involved. Where appropriate, presentations are based upon National Curriculum requirements and exam board syllabuses to ensure maximum educational benefit (although non-curricular presentations available on request, e.g. "The Mysteries of Mars"!)

    Cell! Cell! Cell! logo

    • New for Autumn 2012 - stunning new KS3-5 biology show called "Cell! Cell! Cell!", exploring cell structure, DNA, genetics, fertilization and embryonic development (particularly focussing on stem cells), tissue interaction and more! See www.cell-cell-cell.com for more details of this breathtaking state-of-the-art production. During "Cell! Cell! Cell!" shows, each group enjoys the full 24-minute production and then revisits those aspects of particular relevence to their Key Stage to discuss them in more detail in the remainder of the lesson, to maximise the learning experience. Follow-up activities and resources are provided.

    Close-up of retinal rod cells from Cell!  Cell! Cell!

    • all shows are presented by a fully-qualified, experienced Physics Teacher, Simon Ould, a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society who has a wealth of teaching experience and extensive astronomy knowledge (please see Presenter page for more details) Simon has taught all three sciences to GCSE and Physics to A-level
    • the larger Voyager dome can accommodate up to TWO classes at a time (N.B. see capacity limits on Voyager page). The smaller Pioneer dome will fit in almost any school / community hall and can comfortably take a Primary-age class at a time.
    • the "school trip" comes to YOU - enjoy the magic of an amazing planetarium experience without all the hassle and expense of an off-site visit!
    • length of shows can be adjusted to fit conveniently into normal lesson times, so no need to take pupils off-timetable
    • for minimum disruption in full-day bookings, all equipment can quickly be cleared away if the hall is needed during lunchtimes
    • great for pupils with Special Educational Needs
    • ideal for School Summer Camps, Able-Pupil Days, Year 6/7 Transition activities etc.
    • FREE workpack on CD-ROM with every booking (with lesson plans, photocopiable worksheets and homework activities etc.) so you get the best value for money and plenty of ideas to support the visit

Go To Further Information for Schools

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Adult Education Centres / Tertiary Colleges

  • Space Odyssey presentations can be tailored to suit courses for learners of all ages
  • please contact us to discuss the particular requirements of your AEC / college and to learn how Space Odyssey can enhance and support the curriculum you wish to deliver

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Scouts, Guides etc.

  • shows available for all age groups from Beavers / Rainbow Guides through to Explorer Scouts / Senior Section guides etc.
  • a key idea throughout the Guiding and Scouting movements is respect for the environment and nature. The Space Odyssey planetarium is a fabulous way to enthuse members with a love of astronomy and give a sense of how fragile the Earth's environment really is
  • shows specifically cover curriculum requirements for badges such as the Brownies' Stargazer Badge, Cubs' Astronomer Activity Badge and the new 2007 Scouts' Astronomer Badge
  • great for fund-raising activities as the dome will fit in many community halls etc. (please see Domes information pages for details of hall requirements)

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Community groups

  • Space Odyssey presentations are not just for kids! Simon offers planetarium experiences to community groups of all ages (e.g. Womens' Institutes, Rotary Clubs etc.) to explore the Universe and the wonders of the heavens
  • the Voyager dome can accommodate up to 32 chairs inside it for the audience to sit on (with room for a few children on the floor, too), so there's no need to worry that you would become uncomfortable on the floor!
  • access is through a safe and easy-to-negotiate tall zip opening in the side of the dome, so the elderly can easily step into the dome
  • wheelchair access is very easily achieved too
  • shows can be tailored to cater for any specific interests
  • typically, the aim of community group shows is to experience a voyage through the Solar System and beyond, with a particular emphasis on the stars of the night-time sky as seen from the UK and from other parts of the world and a tour of some of the planets and moons of the Solar System
  • please see Domes Information pages for details of hall size requirements

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Fund-raising events

  • why not book the Space Odyssey dome to help raise funds for your good cause?!
  • those visiting your fête etc. could be charged an admission fee to experience the wonder of the night sky and learn about their Birth Star, the Moon and planets, the signs of the Zodiac, the other constellations and the stories behind them (e.g. how the ancient Greeks and other cultures saw patterns in the night sky and the myths and legends they created to explain them)
  • a great headline-grabber for local newspapers/TV/radio to help promote your event ahead of time and raise even more valuable funds
  • please note that you would need a suitable community/school hall nearby as the dome cannot be set up outside (please see Domes Information pages for details of hall requirements)

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Astronomical Societies

  • Fed up with observing nights blighted by cloudy skies? Light pollution driving you mad? Ever wished you could experience the stunning Southern Hemisphere skies but (a) you can't afford the flights or (b) you'd rather not face Australian beer?
  • Space Odyssey offers 100% cloud-free, inky-dark skies - guarranteed! Space Odyssey's incredible Cosmodyssee III star projector can be used to transport the audience around the globe to experience breathtaking night skies we never get to see from the UK. See for yourself the rich starfields of Sagittarius and Carina, the Large and Small Magellenic Clouds and the Southern Cross....
  • As a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society since 1992 and having studied Astronomy at university, physics teacher Simon Ould has a wealth of subject knowledge. Coupled with the incredible technology used in the Space Odyssey planetarium, Simon can take your Society members on a fascinating voyage of discovery through the world's night skies. Why not invite along members of the public, too, to help raise the profile of your organisation?
  • please see the Domes Information pages for details of hall requirements
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