In an era where immersive experiences are reshaping public engagement with science and culture, upgrading traditional planetariums with cutting-edge technology has become essential for maintaining relevance and appeal. The demand for hyper-realistic visual experiences is increasing as audiences, particularly younger generations raised on high-definition screens and virtual reality, expect more than static star maps or conventional projections. According to a 2023 report by PwC on the global immersive technology market, immersive media—including fulldome experiences—is projected to grow at an average annual rate of over 30%. This trend underscores the urgency for science centers and museums to adopt advanced projection systems that can deliver unparalleled resolution, brightness, and interactivity.
At the forefront of this shift stands the Arizona Science Center’s recent transformation of the iconic Dorrance Planetarium into the Dorrance DOME, powered by Cosm’s LED technology. Tammy Stewart, interim Hazel A. Hare president & CEO of Arizona Science Center, articulates the driving motivation behind this major overhaul: “We were at a stage where it was time to update the equipment. Our planetarium has been a major attraction since it opened in the mid-90s… we wanted to make sure that we invested in something that would be a true attraction to our community, both locally and also for tourists” (Tammy Stewart, blooloop.com). This decision reflects a strategic response not only to technological obsolescence but also to evolving visitor expectations that demand immersive and versatile learning environments.
The collaborative history between Arizona Science Center and Cosm, spanning almost three decades, laid a robust foundation for innovation. Kirk Johnson, COO at Cosm, highlights this productive partnership: “Our relationship goes back many years, and they’ve always been a customer that’s tried new things and innovated, experimenting with different types of content” (Kirk Johnson, blooloop.com). This longstanding relationship facilitated a seamless adoption of Cosm’s advanced CX System LED dome, which during a decisive site visit was immediately distinguished from conventional projection systems. Johnson recounts the board’s rapid acceptance of the technology: “After the board visited, they said to the CEO, ‘You lied to us. It only took 10 seconds.’ And I think that’s the power of this technology. People get it” (Kirk Johnson, blooloop.com). This anecdote illustrates how a live demonstration often transcends technical jargon, transforming skepticism into enthusiasm—a crucial factor when securing investment and support for innovative upgrades.
Beyond delivering remarkable visuals, the Dorrance DOME signifies a paradigm shift in how planetariums can serve their communities. The installation boasts an 18-meter LED dome with over 9,000 LED panels, delivering 8K+ resolution and a brightness level “more than 100 times brighter than a typical planetarium projector,” offering unparalleled contrast and true black levels unattainable with previous projection technologies (Kirk Johnson, blooloop.com). This leap enables audiences to feel as if they are transported to distant worlds, enhancing both educational impact and emotional engagement. The installation’s flexible seating design, which allows half the seats to roll away and create an open, adaptable floor space, further extends the venue’s utility. Stewart emphasizes this inclusive vision: “Half the seats actually roll away and create a flat space… allowing us to bring in different kinds of seating, from bean bags to yoga mats to cocktail tables. That flexibility really allows us to create a welcoming space” (Tammy Stewart, blooloop.com). This versatility opens the door to diverse programming, from traditional educational shows to wellness events and corporate gatherings, broadening revenue streams and community outreach.
This transformation resonates deeply within the fulldome and immersive cinema industry, illustrating the potential of LED-based technologies to not only elevate the visual standards but also to redefine how venues conceive experiential spaces. For content creators, the enhanced resolution and brightness of LED domes present a canvas for real-time, high-fidelity storytelling that blends science, art, and education. The integration of Cosm’s Digistar software with Unreal Engine allows dynamic and interactive content, a valuable tool for venues seeking to engage audiences more actively. Moreover, the Arizona Science Center’s partnership with Arizona State University’s Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center exemplifies how immersive spaces can serve as incubators for next-generation content creators, fostering academic collaboration and innovative narrative approaches.
For venues, this upgrade emphasizes the increasing importance of adaptable spaces that accommodate a variety of event formats, crucial for both sustainability and community relevance. Educational programming stands to benefit significantly, with the ability to create captivating, multisensory experiences that maintain attention and inspire awe across diverse age groups. Audience engagement could similarly be transformed by these immersive technologies, promoting repeat visitation and expanding demographic reach. As Johnson insightfully notes, “You can explain the concepts and the specifications, but really, you have to come and see it. It’s a game-changer” (Kirk Johnson, blooloop.com). The Dorrance DOME thus sets a new benchmark that could inspire a wave of similar retrofits across the global network of fulldome venues, positioning immersive LED technology as the future standard for planetariums and beyond.
Originally reported by Charlotte Coates via blooloop.com on 2026-01-20 06:05:00.
Read the full original article here: blooloop.com