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Cape Town planetarium goes digital

Staff Writer
By Staff Writer, ITWeb
Johannesburg, 02 Aug 2016
Minister Naledi Pandor's department says the upgraded Iziko Planetarium will open new ways of understanding the big data produced through the SKA.
Minister Naledi Pandor's department says the upgraded Iziko Planetarium will open new ways of understanding the big data produced through the SKA.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is investing R10 million to digitally upgrade Cape Town-based Iziko Planetarium.

The DST says the digital upgrades are set to take the institution into the next era of technological advancement and ensure it drives astronomy development through projects like the Square Kilometre Array (SKA).

According to the department, the upgrades will result in a digital full-dome massive theatre facility by early 2017. The planetarium will move from analogue to full-dome digital technology, which will create a hub of creativity and learning for the general public, as well as provide educational and e-research benefits.

Given that astronomy has been identified as a geographical advantage area for SA, the country has made significant investments in the launching of initiatives such as the SKA, the MeerKAT and the Southern African Large Telescope, reads a statement.

Dr Daniel Adams, DST chief director for basic sciences and infrastructure, says astronomy achievements have positioned SA as a globally respected player in the area of multi-wavelength astronomy and astrophysics research and innovation.

"The DST has invested in this upgrade and the creation of a digital full-dome immersive planetarium at Iziko primarily because it will further support and stimulate the development of astronomy and contribute to ensuring adequate infrastructure in SA that can enable cutting-edge research across many disciplines."

Adams notes the digital planetarium will further support the development of science, engineering and technology skills, as well as strengthen the pipeline of researchers across numerous key scarce skills fields.

Rooksana Omar, CEO of Iziko Museum, adds: "As part of the upgraded Iziko Museums of SA, the new Iziko Planetarium will feature as one of the African continent's foremost centres of excellence for heritage, biodiversity and science.

"This type of partnership, between museums, academia and government, illustrates the value, significance and impact of collaboration in creating synergies between generating knowledge and providing platforms of expression and innovation."

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