New Start at the Zeiss Planetarium Vienna

The Corona pandemic forced long closures for all planetariums. Slowly, the situation is improving and re-opening strategies are now becoming reality. This is also the case at the Zeiss Planetarium in Vienna, which has been able to again welcome guests since May 19.

Quick decisions and rapid action by those responsible at the Vienna Planetarium and the Vienna Adult Education Centers have made it possible to upgrade the digital projection system during the closure period. Still at the end of 2020, all eight ZEISS VELVET projectors were replaced in a very short time by projectors with new LED light sources. Within just 14 days and before the new year had begun, the devices were provided by ZEISS in Jena, packed, brought to Vienna, unpacked there, installed and put into operation.

Above all, the modern projection system offers a new visual experience. With enhanced brilliance, rich colors and razor-sharp images, the dome projections captivate visitors. Even well-known shows are experienced in a new light as they appear resplendent on the planetarium dome.

With an operating life of approx. 20,000 hours, the LED illumination units of the new ZEISS VELVET LED projectors make a significant contribution to reducing operating costs. Barely audible fan noise due to lower heat generation completes the overall modern impression of the newly equipped planetarium dome.

May 19, 2021 marks the beginning of a new era at the Zeiss Planetarium Vienna in two respects. First, the planetarium will be able to reopen after more than seven months and present astronomy to visitors in person. Second, as the first large planetarium in the German-speaking world, it will be able to score with state-of-the-art high technology thanks to the use of the new VELVET LED technology.