One of the ideas we have for game ideas considers using the Astrodome which I came across when researching technologies that had been built for the purpose of multi-sensory experiences. The astrodome is is an inflatable planetarium which is used for educational purposes; enabling groups of all ages to learn about astronomy in a fully immersive digital environment.

The Research

The Astrodome actually happened to be owned by the University of Southampton and is managed by Dr Sadie Jones, who is the Astronomy Public Engagement and Outreach leader for the university.

“The main part of my role as Outreach Leader is organising the Southampton Astrodome mobile planetarium visits to local schools and colleges. I design these visits to excite the students about physics, astronomy and science, and to showcase the world-leading astrophysics research carried out at Southampton.:"

• Dr Sadie Jones

We have managed to get in touch with Dr Jones and organise a visit to the astrodome to see if we can potentially use the technology for our project. At the visit, we will take photographs, videos and get some answers about how it works and how it can be transported.

On the website, I found that there are two domes available. The larger, newer astrodome has a maximum capacity of 35 people, requires around seven square metres of floor space and is 3.3 metres high. The second, smaller astrodome has a capacity of 27 people, requires around six square metres of floor space and is 3.2 metres high. Mats or seating can be places inside the dome but that will decrease its maximum capacity and if users wish to lay down to look up at the projections, then 10-15 people or less is more appropriate.

What questions do I have?

• Will this be available for us to use at the arcade event?
• How many people can safely use the Astrodome at once?
• Is there any adaption for interaction with the projections?
• How can we display our own projections onto the walls of the Astrodome?

The Visit

The Astrodome (External View)

Here is the Astrodome inside one of the universities lecture rooms. On arrival, it was a lot bigger than I expected it to be. There seems there would be plenty of room for movement around the space.

I also noticed straight away the fan for the dome is very loud and it would require a lot of volume to drown that sound out.

The Astrodome (Internal View)

Inside the dome, the space seemed even bigger than anticipated. The sloped walls definitely were somewhat illusive and as you can see in this picture, it looked like the roof of the dome was miles above me when really it was only another foot.

It was incredibly dark inside the dome so we had to make use of flashlights but not so dark that it was uncomfortable. There was plenty of room to move around, thought it was difficult to see the boundaries of the dome so the available “play” space might end up being a little smaller.