Set-up/Operation • A-34 •
STARLAB User Tips
Entering and Exiting the STARLAB
Because the STARLAB dome is an air-supported structure, leaving the door open for
an extended period of time will cause the dome to begin to deate. As a result, it’s
necessary to have visitors enter the dome in a controlled fashion. Visitors should be
instructed to enter and exit the dome in a single le line, one at a time. While they do
not have to crawl, they should be instructed to “stay low and go slow”. It is always a
good idea to have two adults working to assist when students are going in and out
of the dome. One adult acts as the “door keeper” on the outside while the second
stands inside the STARLAB where the entrance tunnel meets the dome. After every
three people enter the dome, the “door keeper” should hold the entrance tube closed
for about 5 seconds to give the dome a chance to re-inate. It is also helpful for the
person on the inside to have a ashlight or battery powered lantern that he or she can
shine in the tunnel to help illuminate the way. Have the last person entering the dome
turn the fan down to medium or low.
Once inside the dome, visitors should be instructed to sit on the oor on the edge of
the fabric in a circle. They should not lean back on the dome fabric because it might
cause the dome to be pulled down or rock excessively. Nobody should sit in the
space directly in front of the fan opening nor should anyone enter the ination tube. If
there are more people than a single circle can accommodate, then visitors can make
a second inner circle surrounding the projector. Because the STARLAB does not have
any seats, one suggestion is to lay out carpet squares on the oor before the visitors
come into the dome. In addition to providing some comfort, the carpets help to dene
specic seats, which is particularly helpful for younger visitors.
When it is time to exit the dome, the “door keeper” should leave rst and hold the
dome entrance open for the group to exit. Visitors should exit single le being careful
not to trip over the fabric at the end of the entrance tunnel when they leave. When
people are exiting the dome, the fan should be on “high.”
Accommodating Visitors Who are
Physically Challenged
Because of its unique design, the STARLAB can accommodate visitors who are
restricted to wheelchairs, have walkers or are otherwise physically challenged.
Instead of having these individuals use the entrance tunnel, they can enter and exit
the planetarium by going in and out under the edge of the dome. To do this, you will
need a second person to assist you. Individuals who are physically challenged should
be brought into the dome before the rest of the visitors. Begin by turning up the fan to
the highest setting so that the STARLAB dome becomes overinated and starts lifting
off the oor. Remove all carpet squares from the inside of the dome and maneuver
the individual to the side of the planetarium directly opposite the point where the
entrance and ination tubes attach to the dome. With the help of a second person,
lift the side of the STARLAB and roll the person in the wheelchair under the material
toward the center of the dome, next to the projector. Drop the side of the dome back
down behind the person and allow the dome to re-inate. Once the dome has fully re-
inated, have the rest of the participants enter the dome through the entrance tunnel
making sure to keep the entrance tunnel clear. Have the last person entering the STAR-
LAB turn the fan back down to low. Once the entire group has been seated, back
the wheelchair into the opening to the entrance tunnel. This way, they will be able to
