Press Release

Lisbon Planetarium Invites Visitors to Explore Whole New Worlds

ZEISS VELVET LED projection system offers new presentation options

22 November 2021

Jena / Lisbon, Portugal | 22 November 2021 | ZEISS Planetariums

Since 18 November 2021 the Navy planetarium in Lisbon, Portugal, has been welcoming visitors once more. And a totally different planetarium awaits them. For the first time here at the Navy planetarium, star and video projections will unite for performances that will illuminate the entire dome. In recent weeks, ZEISS installed a full-dome projection system comprising eight ZEISS VELVET LED projectors whose images come together to create a 360-degree picture. The projectors are a ZEISS development that is unique in that it showcases the world's most pitch-black images. Visitors won't even notice the transitions between the eight individual images thanks to special blending technologies from ZEISS. In addition to installing the ZEISS VELVET LED projection system, the ZEISS UNIVERSARIUM model IX planetarium projector that was in use since 2005 was given a complete overhaul. New LED light sources deliver brighter stars, while brand-new electronics will offer reliability in the future and an all-new control computer ensures greater ease of use.

Since 18 November 2021 the Navy planetarium in Lisbon, Portugal, has been welcoming visitors once more.

Lisbon Planetarium Invites Visitors to Explore Whole New Worlds.

The Navy planetarium in Lisbon is pursuing a concept of combining analog star and digital imaging projection systems. ZEISS technologies ensure that digital projections like astronomical bodies, planetary orbits and cosmic nebulae always appear in the right position in the night sky. This hybrid control system provides the software suite for the ZEISS planetarium systems. The ZEISS UNIVIEW allows planetarium operators to make use of an astronomical visualization program that allows them to showcase the entire known cosmos with great ease.

The new digital projection system means the planetarium can run a wider range of events. “Although astronomy is still the main focus, we'll now also be offering visitors shows and presentations from other disciplines like biology, sports and history, as well as musical performances,” said Commander João Silva Ramos, Planetarium Director. The reopening means the large planetarium and its guests will be embarking on a journey through the universe like never before and it has started offering a variety of different topics.

Martin Kraus, Head of Planetariums at ZEISS, is delighted about the reopening: “The Calouste Gulbenkian planetarium has been using ZEISS technology since it was inaugurated back in 1965. We're very proud that the Portuguese Navy has chosen our new ZEISS VELVET LED projection system along with other technical and software upgrades and that we are once again the technology partner of choice.”

Press contact Beatrice Weinberger

ZEISS Planetariums

About ZEISS

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue totaling 6.3 billion euros in its four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets (status: 30 September 2020).

For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world's leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses and binoculars.

With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare and Smart Production and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company's significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS' technology and market leadership. ZEISS invests 12 percent of its revenue in research and development – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is also an investment in the future.

With over 34,000 employees, ZEISS is active globally in almost 50 countries with around 30 production sites, 60 sales and service companies and 27 research and development facilities. Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG (status: 31 March 2021).

Further information at www.zeiss.com