The new digital dome feature a 360-degree immersive experience (Image: Wits )
An incredible new digital dome that will light up with visuals of the solar system is set to open next month, in
Johannesburg’s Planetarium, once the largest in sub-Saharan Africa, has undergone major refurbishments, transforming it into the state-of-art Wits Anglo American Digital Dome.
The multidiscplinary facility is expected to “forever change” how South Africans teach, research and engage with science, technology, business, sport, the humanities and the arts.
It will feature a 360-degree suitable for people of all ages, with a number of shows for young and older visitors.
Wits University and , Anglo American worked together and invested R90 million (equivalent to just under £4 million) into building what is now the biggest digital dome in the southern hemisphere.
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The new digital dome is set to open to the wider public in February 2025 (Image: Wits )
The old Planetarium was first completed in 1960 and was the first full sized Planetarium in and now those in charge hope that the new experience will continue to make an impact.
Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University reflected on the significance of the previous Planetarium building and shared excitement about the opening of the new dome.
He said: “Personally, I visted the old Planetarium in 1981 at the height of apartheid. It left a huge and indelible mark on me, and I belive it played a key role in igniting a sientific spark that led me to becoming a nuclear physicist.
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£4 million was invested into the refurbishment project (Image: Wits)
“Through the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome, we hope to continue inspiring people from various disciplines including those working in climate modelling, artifical intelligence and the digital arts.”
Before the digital dome opens up to the public next month, it is currently under a pilot phase where tech loves and star-gazers have been able to get a peak at what the dome has to offer.
Dr Moumita Aich, the Head of the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome said: “Visitors, students and researchers will enjoy an immersive experience and will feel as if they are part of the shows – whether they are gliding through the middle of the International Space Station or following a herd of wildebeest through the migrations in the Serengeti. These shows aim to entertain people of all ages, with different interests, using the latest technology – the possibilities are infinite.”