Forever Edinburgh: Dynamic Earth reopens with ‘out of this world’ planetarium experience

This weekend a well-loved and truly out of this world experience reopens to the public for the first time in months following the easing of lockdown restrictions, with a brand new feature sure to capture the attention and imagination of families, youngsters and budding space explorers.
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Dynamic Earth is reopening its doors this Saturday, May 8, welcoming back curious space explorers and other worldly beings with the opening of the UK’s first and only Digistar 6K planetarium.

The announcement comes as the venue re-opens its doors for weekend visits after a four month closure caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tickets are now on sale for Saturdays and Sundays during May and June.Tickets are now on sale for Saturdays and Sundays during May and June.
Tickets are now on sale for Saturdays and Sundays during May and June.
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The existing ShowDome auditorium has been transformed into a fully digital 360 degree, 6K giant screen resolution experience with surround sound.

The £650,000 investment uses state of the art software and high-tech projectors to deliver some of the highest quality, presenter-led content available in the UK.

With one of the highest quality starfields available anywhere, the planetarium has endless opportunities for bespoke shows, which will wow the audience with flight navigation through space.

Among the first to be shown will be ’You Are Here’, presented by astronomer and planetarium manager, Dr Alastair Bruce.

Among the first to be shown will be You Are Here, presented by astronomer and planetarium manager, Dr Alastair Bruce.Among the first to be shown will be You Are Here, presented by astronomer and planetarium manager, Dr Alastair Bruce.
Among the first to be shown will be You Are Here, presented by astronomer and planetarium manager, Dr Alastair Bruce.
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You Are Here is a dramatic journey to the very edge of our solar system and back.

Visitors will see the boundaries of human exploration and will follow in the footsteps of some very special space missions.

The venue’s beginner-friendly space-cruise is a chance for some cosmic perspective in this topsy-turvy time and also a handy wee reminder that: You. Are. Here."

Visitors to Dynamic Earth will be able to enter the ShowDome and strap into their seats before the projection launches them out of the building to see incredible images of the city and beyond, all the way to the edge of the solar system.

Dynamic Earth is reopening its doors on May 8 with the opening of the UK’s first and only Digistar 6K planetarium.Dynamic Earth is reopening its doors on May 8 with the opening of the UK’s first and only Digistar 6K planetarium.
Dynamic Earth is reopening its doors on May 8 with the opening of the UK’s first and only Digistar 6K planetarium.
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Dr Bruce takes visitors on an immersive and exciting 25-minute long adventure through our galaxy so that budding astronauts and science enthusiasts can get an up close look at the planets, moons and galaxies.

Speaking about the new planetarium show, Dr Bruce said: “I’m an astronomer by training and last year was the 30th anniversary of quite a famous astronomy image called the pale blue dot, that was the nugget which made me think that this is a show about seeing the earth from various distances.

“We start you right off at home, from the Dynamic Earth centre and take you further, and further, and further away, the whole time looking back to get a sense of perspective. I’ve spent more than six months working on it, it’s been a lot of fun.

“When I trained as an astronomer I used to do a lot of public talks, so getting feedback from people really helps. I’m really enthusiastic about it, space is a complex subject so to make it simple I hold a nugget of the story in my head and think about how to explain that to children or my gran.

With one of the highest quality starfields available anywhere, the planetarium has endless opportunities for bespoke shows, which will wow the audience with flight navigation through space.With one of the highest quality starfields available anywhere, the planetarium has endless opportunities for bespoke shows, which will wow the audience with flight navigation through space.
With one of the highest quality starfields available anywhere, the planetarium has endless opportunities for bespoke shows, which will wow the audience with flight navigation through space.
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“Edinburgh has been missing a big fixed planetarium for a long time, with our new projection system we’re really high resolution which is very exciting because the stars are pin sharp and its very bright and for the first time we can do live planetarium shows right in the heart of Edinburgh.

“You can see Salisbury Crags, you can fly round Arthurs Seat, you can visit anywhere you want to visit so it gives us the freedom to do little virtual tours, geology stuff. At Dynamic Earth there is so much to get involved in.”

Dynamic Earth’s new Planetarium is supported by Leidos, The Robertson Trust, Baillie Gifford, The ScottishPower Foundation, Commsworld and other key funders and donors which share the values and goals of the centre.

Speaking about the new planetarium marketing director at Dynamic Earth, Eilidh Massie said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to open our doors again and at the same time launch our new planetarium. This technology is a whole different level from what we’ve seen before, and you cannot fail to be affected by the experience of it.

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“We’re incredibly grateful to have the support of our funders and the Scottish Government, who have recognized the role we’re playing in helping the climate emergency, particularly in the middle of a global pandemic.

“One of the things Covid-19 has highlighted to us is how we can all be impacted by global events, and how we can make a difference around the world with behaviour changes. So, in many ways, it seems more relevant than ever before.

You Are Here is a dramatic journey to the very edge of our solar system and back. Visitors will see the boundaries human exploration and will follow in the footsteps of some very special space missions.You Are Here is a dramatic journey to the very edge of our solar system and back. Visitors will see the boundaries human exploration and will follow in the footsteps of some very special space missions.
You Are Here is a dramatic journey to the very edge of our solar system and back. Visitors will see the boundaries human exploration and will follow in the footsteps of some very special space missions.

“This new addition to Dynamic Earth gives us a new facility to address major climate and environmental issues – the opportunities to engage and entertain are limitless. We’re looking forward to educating and inspiring visitors of all ages – we can’t wait to see their reactions.”

Tickets are now on sale for Saturdays and Sundays during May and June.

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Bookings will have an allocated arrival time and must be purchased in advance. Capacity is limited to ensure social distancing can be maintained.

In line with Scottish Government guidelines, a range of measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.

This includes pre-booked timed entry, face coverings, enhanced cleaning, hand-sanitising stations and one-way routes. Dynamic Earth has also been awarded the UK-wide, industry standard ‘We’re Good to Go’ accreditation.

Dynamic Earth is the only visitor attraction in the UK solely dedicated to the story of Planet Earth and is Edinburgh’s best family attraction.

Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS

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The Evening News is supporting Forever Edinburgh, a joint campaign between the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG) and VisitScotland. This encourages people to rediscover the city, its stories and places while supporting local businesses, promoting attractions, shops, bars and restaurants as lockdown eases.

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