Set-up/Operation • A-36 •
Marking Positions On the Dome
For many activities, it is useful to mark positions as reference points inside the plan-
etarium. You may wish to mark the path of the Sun across the sky so that you can
compare the angle of insolation on a winter and summer day. You may also want to
have students predict and mark the position of the sunrise and sunset points for dif-
ferent days of the year or mark the position of different constellations as they appear
to move across the sky. In the STARLAB, it is possible to mark all of these things using
Post-it style notes or index cards backed with double stick masking tape. Students
can write their names right on the labels and attach them directly to the inside of the
dome. Using this same technique, you can also label the cardinal directions using
cards that have the letters written in dayglow or phosphorescent paint.
Pointers
For some activities, you may wish to have more than one pointer available for use.
You can divide the group into teams for example, with each team being given a
pointer. To help differentiate between the different pointers, you can use pointers with
different images such as a lightning bolt, a nger or several different shaped arrows.
Science First/STARLAB also manufactures a heavy duty LED pointer that comes in
several different designs. (Part #SL-541, A-J) These LED pointers are better for student
use than laser pointers because they are far more durable, have a longer battery life,
and most importantly, they pose no risk to eyes even if they are shined directly into a
person’s face.
Dome Management
Over the course of a day, the dome has a tendency to shift its position on the oor.
This usually does not cause a problem but it could make the projector drift off center
after a while. In order to minimize the amount of distortion in the projections, it is
important that the projector be directly under the center of the dome. Each time a
group exits the STARLAB, it’s a good idea to go back outside and realign the dome
to its original position. The amount of dome shift can be reduced by making sure
that there are no kinks, deep wrinkles, or bends in the ination tube. Placing carpet
squares along the inside edge of the dome will help to weigh the dome down which
also reduces drift.
Note
Under no circumstances should you ever tape the bottom of the dome to the
floor. This will make it difficult to lift the dome in the event that an emergency
evacuation is needed!
Creature Comforts
A whole day of teaching in the STARLAB can be grueling. Little amenities can help a
great deal. For example, if you like to operate the projector from your knees, a set of
gardeners’ knee pads help a lot. A short stool (camping stool) or kindergarten chair
can also be used if you prefer to sit up and, if you like to sit on the oor, a stadium
chair that is really a cushion with a back support works wonders. When all else fails,
you can always use a pillow. Having throat drops and a sport bottle lled with water
also helps preserve the throat. Take frequent drinks and don’t forget to stretch!
