A small overview of home planetariums. What is a home planetarium? Which home planetarium is better

These devices appeared not so long ago, but have already gained immense popularity.

Consider what a home planetarium is and what it can be useful for.

If you do not go into technical details, which are unlikely to be of interest to most people, then this is a compact device that makes it possible to contemplate the starry sky without leaving home. It can be a star ceiling or a wall - the projection is directed to where it is most convenient, creating an incredibly high-quality illusion - this is not some second-rate picture, but almost real stars and constellations.

The projection is an identical copy of the real constellations, and the constellations change over time, in accordance with the actual arrangement of the stars. Some models reproduce various effects, the simplest of which is a shooting star. More expensive models allow you to watch the northern lights on the ceiling of your home. There are various models of personal planetariums, among which there are both simple devices and more complex and functional models that are suitable even for specialized universities as a practical guide to astronomy.

Why you need your own planetarium

Your kids will have many hours of fun exploring the night sky. The little ones will be just delighted, playing brave space explorers, and for high school students this device will come in handy as a practical aid in astronomy. For students studying astronomy, this thing is simply indispensable - a personal planetarium allows you to explore the constellations for as long as it takes for the most complex calculations. At any time, the night sky is at your service.

Video review of home planetarium

A personal planetarium will make any party more original - relaxing with friends under the night sky is much more interesting. Special effects will be remembered by you and your friends. The device is easy to use and detailed instructions will help resolve any difficulties, no deep technical knowledge is required to use the planetarium.

Just imagine that you have a starry sky over your head instead of the standard white ceiling in your bedroom or living room! You lie down on the bed or the floor, turn on pleasant music and look at the cosmic phantasmagoria that unfolds right above you. This is especially true for urban residents who do not often have the opportunity to admire the beautiful starry sky.

There are many technologies that make it possible to place a piece of the night sky on your ceiling. These include suspended ceilings with LEDs and fiber optic systems, and special lighting fixtures. But in this article, let's talk about devices that are still new to us - home planetariums.

Many went to a real planetarium and know that images are projected indoors using a special powerful apparatus. But not so long ago there were similar devices designed for home use. Such devices are divided into relatively inexpensive projector nightlights, which are intended more for children's rooms, and expensive devices - home planetariums, which the tongue would not dare to call a child's toy.

Nightlights with a projector function will be a great gift for children, as well as romantic adults. Often such devices consist of a spotlight and a dome with holes. With the help of such nightlights, you can create a beautiful atmosphere that will promote relaxation and create a romantic mood.

The highest quality planetariums are, respectively, the most expensive. Therefore, the very first and decisive factor that affects the choice of a device is its price, and the amount of money that you can afford to spend on it.

Here is a small overview of modern planetariums designed for home use.

HomeStar projectors from the Japanese manufacturer Segatoys are considered to be of the highest quality. There are three models of these projectors that differ in performance, quality and price (HomeStar, HomeStar PRO and HomeStar EXTRA). In addition to a very beautiful starry sky and constellations with astronomically correct placement of celestial bodies, the second model is also used to project the Moon, and the third - the Moon and the Earth. Also, these devices implement the phenomenon of falling stars, which creates the illusion of even greater realism of the observed picture. In addition, it is possible to adjust the movement of the starry sky and turn on the timer.

The HomeStar Spa home planetarium is used for relaxation in the bathroom. This device is used directly in the water and has three modes of operation: stars, roses, depths of the sea. Projection occurs both on walls and ceilings, and under water.

The home planetarium "Laser Stars" will create a vault of the sky with moving green stars and a blue gas nebula on the ceiling. You can set different modes of operation: just stars, stars and nebula, the size of which, moreover, can be changed at your discretion.

Planetarium for home use "Star Theater" and its latest version The "Star Theatre" SE is a device with a dome in which the stars are marked. It is possible to set the observation time.

The device "Astrostar" allows you to set the necessary parameters in order to brighten the picture of the starry sky, characteristic of different seasons. The starry sky can be placed both on the ceiling and on the walls.

In addition to the possibility of creating a starry sky, there are projectors that will make ocean depths out of your ceiling and walls, draw moving fractal graphics.

In order to achieve a complete and clear picture of the starry sky, it is necessary to have an even, snow-white ceiling, and the complete absence of any obstacles at the projection site (chandeliers, stucco moldings). In addition, absolute darkness is needed, which should not be disturbed even by the weak light of a lamp. But not so long ago, projector models were developed that give a clear, realistic picture even in low light. You should also place the device at the manufacturer's recommended distance from the ceiling, which is often at least 2 meters.

When buying a planetarium, be sure to find out about the warranty period provided for it. After all, the main component of this device is a projector lamp, which is not supplied separately and cannot be replaced in case of burnout.

With the help of this technology, you can create an unforgettable romantic evening with your loved one, arrange a relaxation session in the bath, and conduct an entertaining lesson with children on the topic of astronomy. In addition, a home planetarium is a unique gift that will surprise even a skeptic and a person who rarely looks at the starry sky. And for children, this device will be an excellent tool for practicing astronomy and an incentive to continue such hobbies. In addition, high-quality devices can be used in cafes, restaurants, and for lectures on astronomy.

On the Russian market today you can find six or seven varieties of home planetariums. Based on the principle of least resistance, we turned to the star-sky.ru store, which offered four different models to choose from, and took them for a test. So, we have a German (to be honest, Chinese) Bresser, two Japanese devices from SegaToys of different price classes and a Hong Kong Laser Stars. Oddly enough, it turned out that it is practically impossible to compare planetariums directly. They are no less different from each other than, for example, cars of different classes; each planetarium is designed to solve specific problems, and there is practically no competition between models.

Three models - both Japanese SegaToys and German Bresser - are arranged like a classic planetarium: a light source, a lens, a disk with a projected image. The rotation of the starry sky is provided by mechanical rotation of the disk (manual or automatic), and the effect of "starfall" is created by a separate built-in projector. Laser Stars is fundamentally different from its "brothers": it has two laser emitters (blue and green), equipped with two different collimators for beam defocusing. Thus, the first beam turns into a projection of the starry sky, the second - into a projection of nebula clouds.

Information about manufacturers

Bresser is the German division of one of the world's largest telescope manufacturers, the American Meade. At the same time, Bresser was founded thirty years earlier than the last, in 1957, and in the late nineties it was “swallowed” by competitors. Also produces telescopes, binoculars, microscopes, magnifiers and other optics.
Home Star 2 and Super Star Theater are products of the Japanese corporation SegaToys, one of the world's leading toy manufacturers. It is worth noting that SegaToys is just one of the divisions of the giant Sega Sammy Holdings Inc., known to us, including computer games and production of animated films.
Laser Stars is made by Hong Kong company HPI HK Ltd., founded in 1997 and specializing in the production of designer gift gadgets - both performing various functions and simply decorative.
Planetariums use plastic slides as information carriers. A characteristic moment: Japanese models offer only slides with the northern hemisphere visible from Japan (the southern hemisphere can be purchased in addition).

subjective test

We tested planetariums not only from an objective, but also from a subjective point of view. It's one thing - dry technical data, and quite another - the perception of the gadget by an unprepared person. In particular, HomeStar 2 and Super Star Theater were "tested" on the children of editorial staff. For basic astronomical training - and in fact what you need. You can show and name constellations, for example, using a laser pointer. The Laser Stars device, in turn, is a “female” gadget; the picture that he creates at the touch of a button guarantees a romantic mood and harmonizes well with soft music (the main thing is to forget about astronomy). In general, we can say that home planetariums are good entertainment. In terms of pricing, they are quite expensive, but there can be no talk of the complete uselessness of astrogadgets.

Bresser Astroplanetarium. Astronomical compliance: mediocre // Operation: projected image // Projection rotation: manual // Focus: manual, recommended height - 1.8 - 2 meters // Additional "chips": sleep timer (30, 60 minutes) // Power supply: three AA batteries // Discs included: starry sky, constellations.

2/10 points. Bresser AstroPlanetarium (Germany)

The simplest and cheapest planetarium showed itself exactly as it should, judging by its cost and appearance. We wondered how three AA batteries are enough to power it, while other models require a mandatory connection to the network. It turned out that the only energy-consuming element of Bresser is the projector lamp. The projection is static: to see how the starry sky looks like in a particular month and day, you need to manually scroll the regulator dial. The image is very poorly detailed, the stars merge and blur even at the height of the editorial ceiling. Why such a device is needed, we found it difficult to answer: it loses to competitors in all respects, except for ease of transportation. Unless you take it with you to nature and project the sky onto the awning of the tent from the inside. But Bresser has the most colorful box and the most detailed (it is not clear why) color instructions.

HomeStar Pro 2. Astronomical match: excellent // Function: projected image // Projection rotation: automatic // Focus: manual, recommended height - 2.3 - 2.5 meters // Additional "chips": sleep timer (15, 30, 60 minutes ), shooting stars in random places at random intervals // Power supply: from the mains // Disks included: starry sky, constellations, Earth and Moon (colored).

7/10 points. HomeStar Pro 2 (Japan)

Development of the famous company SegaToys. In terms of size and appearance, it is a direct competitor to Bresser, but much better and more interesting. Well-detailed firmament, correctly located stars, constellations, the milky way; Great tool for teaching kids the basics of astronomy. Due to its small size, even when powered from the mains, it is not designed for high ceilings, but at four meters it projects a picture quite decently (the optimum height is about 2.5 meters), focusing is fine. The projection can automatically rotate, and the “shooting stars” function captures cleaner than any thriller. The whole editorial staff was waiting for the “flying” of each star (they appear randomly) and yelled in unison: “There, there she flew!”

9/10 points. Super Star Theater (aka HomeStar Extra) (Japan)

Much more powerful "big brother" of the HomeStar Pro 2 model from SegaToys. Allows you to project a focused image even on a very high ceiling (we, in general, have not reached the limit), the astronomical correspondence of the projections is very good. The image of the colored sky with stars and the Milky Way looks especially impressive. Like the "younger brother", there is a function of "shooting stars". An indisputable plus is the presence of a remote control remote control. With it, you can arbitrarily adjust the speed of rotation of the celestial sphere, launch shooting stars without getting up from the sofa. Since the planetarium is more entertaining than educational, ease of use plays a significant role.

Super Star Theatre. Astronomical match: excellent // Function: projected image // Projection rotation: automatic, clockwise/counterclockwise, variable speed (3 speeds) // Focus: manual, recommended height - 2.5 meters (actually much more) // Additional "chips": auto-off timer (15, 30, 60 minutes), shooting stars in random places at random intervals, remote control, brightness (16 levels) // Power: from the network, remote control - from two AAA batteries // Drives in set: monochrome starry sky (about 120,000 stars), colored starry sky, constellations.

Included, in addition to normal instruction, includes a color brochure on astronomy: you can find on the projected image the correspondence of the celestial picture depending on the season, and also learn how to navigate in the real starry sky; the pamphlet is, it is true, in English, but the terminology as a whole is understandable instinctively.

Laser Stars (Hong Kong)

The gadget that caused the greatest delight of the editors, oddly enough, has nothing to do with astronomy. Unlike other planetariums, it does not project an image from a microdisk, but is equipped with a number of lasers that form a projection. Accordingly, the image does not require focusing, and only the adjustment of the brightness of the clouds is available from the settings. Laser Stars has no astronomical plausibility: the “universe” of stunning beauty is nothing more than a chaotic cluster of green “stars” and blue “nebula” clouds moving relative to each other in a Brownian way. An ideal device for calming down, dancing to slow music or just a romantic evening, but you still can’t call Laser Stars a planetarium.

laser stars. Astronomical correspondence: none (however, not required) // Principle of operation: laser projection // Projection rotation: automatic // Focusing: not required, automatic, height does not play a role // Additional "chips": cloud brightness adjustment (smooth) , green stars, blue nebulae // Powered: mains powered // Drives included: not required.

Other models

In addition to the tested, the Russian market presents compact models from SegaToys - Homestar Aqua and HomeStar Spa (waterproof for use in the bathroom), as well as a number of spectacular gadgets in the form of globes of the starry sky illuminated from the inside: Japanese Vixen Space 800M, Chinese iOptron LiveStar and Sturman MP -2.

The starry sky projector is capable of projecting images of the constellations onto the ceiling of the room, guaranteeing a unique atmosphere. The Astronomics company offers to buy a home planetarium and save a lot. This night light will delight you and your family.

Who will be interested?

Optimal placement of a home planetarium

Before ordering a lamp, look at the room. Does it have a suitable installation location? It is important to capture as much of the ceiling as possible so that the aesthetic effect is maximum. Use small coffee tables, bedside tables, low cabinet shelves. Experiment.

Precautionary measures

Banal disregard for security measures can spoil the impression of a purchase. But they are quite simple:

• use only one type of power - either from batteries or from the mains;
• avoid damp environment;
• occasionally wipe the projector with a dry cloth to prevent dust from accumulating in it;
• do not use equipment during the day;
• do not give as a toy to children.

The word "Planetarium" brings to mind a building with a dome, a complex and expensive apparatus, as well as interesting lectures. But it turns out that the planetarium can be home.
I have come across several similar devices, namely:
Planetarium "Star Theater"

Planetarium "Star Theater" SE

And the most interesting is the Planetarium "Home Star"

So what are they...

The first thing that catches your eye is a stunningly designed box. "Star Theatre".
On the box and enthusiastic children and space and photographs of the device itself. The anticipation of a miracle is guaranteed.
The description says:
“One has only to turn off the light and your room will turn into an amazing space theater! The home planetarium allows you to observe hundreds of stars and constellations without leaving your home. It can project stars and planets directly onto walls or ceilings. The planetarium has a bright halogen lamp and a special star dome to depict the stars as realistically as possible. Comet imager included. It allows you to project two slides of comets (such as Halley's Comet) onto any surface. The star dome tripod allows you to set the date to show a real view of the starry sky. This home planetarium projects a picture of the starry sky onto any suitable surface, but to get a clearer image of the stars, the distance to the screen should be ~ 1m. Stars are shown as black dots.

The device with the dome was removed from the box. It immediately became clear that there was no optics. Just a dome with marked stars and a lamp in the center.
“Comet Projector” reminded me of a laser pointer or slide projector. Two slides with comets, lens, LED. All this in a good case, well lying in the hand. Comets are quite dim, really similar to real ones, but for children it could be made brighter.
The device requires quite a lot of batteries - 5 pieces of AAA, 2 for the “comet projector” and 3 for the planetarium itself.
So. Turn off the lights and turn on the "Star Theater"

- this is the effect.
Not exactly what we would like. It's frustrating that the stars are inverted + they're pretty big blobs, not dots. The constellations are quite distinct.
On the tripod of the planetarium, you can set the observation time and see the “real” picture of the sky. Unfortunately, the latitude of the observation point cannot be adjusted.
Digging in the box, I found stickers - planets. They need to be glued to the sphere, a small instruction was attached with the approximate location of the planets by year.
The lectures in English that came with the kit were replaced by me with lectures from RedShift :) Still, I don’t perceive it so well English language aurally.
In general, I would rate the Star Theater at 4 with a big minus, or even 3 with a plus.
The price is not too biting - 3000r, it is quite possible to buy for children, and for yourself.
After turning it off, it turned out that the stars on the dome glow in the dark - and, moreover, very beautifully!

The planetarium came into my hands the second "Star Theater" SE

An improved version of the previous planetarium. The box is still pleasing to the eye.
The Americans know how to present the goods, so you can’t take it away!
What is the improved version? The main difference is that the second dome is included, which allows you to display the “correct” ones - white stars on a black background.
From the description "..the stars are depicted as black or, if the dome is changed, as white dots ...".
Indeed, the first regime with dark dots of stars has not disappeared anywhere.
There is still no setting for the latitude of the observation site, and only the date is set.
But the black dome mode is already more interesting, in terms of realism
An additional dome is placed on top of the main one, which allows you to get the following picture:

It is much more pleasant to drive comets across the black sky with a “comet projector” :)
Unfortunately, in this mode it is not possible to set the observation date.
A good bonus is a disk with a planetarium program - Stellarium, a trifle - but nice!
Having played enough with the new dome, I discovered interesting opportunity- New night light mode. The transparent base of the planetarium turns on a beautiful blue LED backlight. Nice improvement.
Unfortunately, the device requires more batteries than the usual "Star Theater" - 5 AAA batteries, and 3 AA! There is a power supply in the kit, but it is designed for American voltage, so only through a transformer (or buy a similar unit for 220).
In general, the "Star Theater" SE left a more pleasant impression than the usual "Star Theater"! The rating is a solid 4. And the price is only 200 rubles (!!) higher - 3200 rubles.

And now, finally, it's time to talk about the most wonderful device of all tested - the planetarium "Home Star". The box is not so impressively decorated - a strict style without frills, but the device itself is impressive at first sight!

A real "death star" with an emitter!
Reading the description:
” The Home Star Planetarium projects up to 10,000 stars on the ceiling or walls. The installation can rotate counterclockwise, simulating the sky in the northern hemisphere, and clockwise, respectively, for the southern hemisphere. To diversify the picture of the starry sky, you can turn on the function of shooting stars - they will fly through at random intervals. There is a shutdown timer. Power is needed for power.
Attention! The planetarium only works in complete darkness! If the distance to the screen is exceeded, the images of the stars lose their clarity.”
And I look at the picture - instructions:

It is immediately clear that this is a more serious device than the Star Theater.
So, I unpack the ball itself and two slide disks (northern and southern skies).
Immediately draws attention to the quality of materials, pleasant to the touch plastic and a good comfortable tripod.
The power supply of the planetarium supports domestic 220v, which is very pleasing.
But to be included in our sockets, you need an adapter (from American flat plugs).
And now, the slide-disk is loaded, the light is off. Oh!
The first impression is shock. It really is a starry sky! How beautiful!


Unlike a regular planetarium, the light beam from the projector is not half a sphere, but rather in the shape of a cone. This is obviously done because the "Home Star" is primarily designed to be projected onto a flat surface such as a ceiling, for example.
I turn on the shooting stars function, and now they begin to fly by.
They are more like comets than meteors - they move painfully slowly :)
The rotation of the sky also works, but, in my opinion, too fast - although friends say that on the contrary it is slow.
Despite the instructions to work in complete darkness, the starry sky is clearly visible even with little light. For example, in a dark corner of the room, everything worked fine, although a table lamp was turned on in another corner.
The “sky” is real, it is quite possible to study the constellations from it!
Perhaps the only major drawback is that there are no images of planets and astronomical phenomena (it would show an eclipse!).
"Home Star", of course, is much closer to a real planetarium than the "Star Theater", but it costs 3 times more - 9,450 rubles.
By the way, I later found a dome for the "Home Star" on some Japanese site :)
They say the picture of the sky with the dome is getting even better!

Perhaps the conclusion is this - to the children's "Star Theater" SE, a gift for an adult space lover - "Home Star". Although, of course, options are possible.