New R90 million ‘digital dome’ launches in South Africa
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and Anglo American have launched a new ‘digital dome’ as part of a major refurbishment of the Johannesburg Planetarium.
The new Wits Anglo Digital Dome, which was made possible through a R90 million investment from Anglo American and Wits, is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, offering a 360° immersive experience for visitors.
According to Wits, it will also serve as a modern teaching venue and a collaborative research space where scientists and students can visualise their work – be it in big data, astrophysics, the digital arts, artificial medicine, microbiology, or precision medicine.
While the dome has officially launched, it will be operating on a pilot basis from November through to the end of January 2025, opening to the public in February 2025.
“For the past 64 years, the Planetarium has entertained, inspired and educated millions of visitors from Gauteng and beyond,” said Professor Zeblon Vilakazi (FRS), Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University.
“Personally, I visited the old Planetarium in 1981 at the height of apartheid. It left a huge and indelible mark on me, and I believe that it played a key role in igniting a scientific spark that led to me becoming a nuclear physicist.
“Through the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome, we hope to continue inspiring people from various disciplines, including those working in climate modelling, artificial intelligence and the digital arts.”
The development of Johannesburg is intrinsically intertwined with the origins and growth of Wits, Anglo American, and mining.
Duncan Wanblad, Chief Executive of Anglo American, said the dome reflected the group’s desire to see continued progress in developing professional skills and adding to the growth of South Africa and its economy.
“Infrastructure like the Digital Dome enable this progress, providing students with specialised skills, enhancing job prospects and earning potential while contributing to broader societal and economic transformation,” he said.
The old planetarium, completed in 1960, was the first full-sized Planetarium in Africa.
As part of the refurbishment, the original Zeiss projector has been replaced by ten brand-new digital projectors to render an 8k full dome resolution. Each projector has its own image generator, which is controlled by a master computer.
The sound in the Digital Dome has also been upgraded to an 8.2 audio system.
The refurbished facility includes new digital projection and sound systems and auditorium seating, with the possible future creation of a Science and Technology Exploratorium.
A new north wing expansion houses operational offices, exhibition areas, and specialised spaces for Digital Dome show planning and design.
“We have created a high-tech 360 immersive experience,” said Dr Moumita Aich, the Head of the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome.
“Visitors, students and researchers will enjoy an immersive experience and will feel as if they are part of the shows – whether they are gliding through the middle of the International Space Station or following a herd of wildebeest through the migrations in the Serengeti. These shows aim to entertain people of all ages, with different interests, using the latest technology – the possibilities are infinite.”
The first shows to be viewed in the Digital Dome when it opens to the public in February 2025 include six full dome shows donated by the American Museum of National History.
Wits said that, over time, talented scholars will develop their own content, within an African context.
The refurbishment is also set to continue, with phase 3 of the project building a wing which will house studios and look towards developing content locally in conjunction with the Wits School of Arts, Digital Arts, the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, and other partners.
It will also link to Wits’ new AI Institute that will be launched on 19 November in the Digital Dome.
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