The Black Hole Mobile Planetarium

About The Black Hole Mobile Planetarium

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The Black Hole Mobile Planetarium is a service available to Primary Schools and Young People’s Groups in the counties of Central England which has been informing, exciting and delighting audiences since November 2000.
The planetarium is an inflatable hemisphere which can comfortably accommodate a class of up to 35 children + 2 or 3 staff and myself.
The dome is 5. 6m in diameter and requires 3. 4m headroom at the apex.
- the headroom must be clear of any downstands such as lights or projection equipment.
A clean floor and a single 13A electrical socket outlet are also required.
Set-up generally requires 45 minutes (30 minutes can be done if time is limited).
Deflation takes seconds and total clearance of the Hall takes 20 minutes.
If necessary, the dome can be removed over lunch and set up again afterwards.
Entry is via a zipped opening but, in the unlikely event of an emergency, as the dome has no 'floor', exit can be effected by lifting the fabric wall.
The fabric is flame-retardant and certified to pass the flammability requirements of the relevant British Standards.

BEFORE and AFTER COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

The prime objective of "The Black Hole" is to amplify and enhance aspects of the National Curriculum.
All presentations are made within the planetarium, using various projection devices and visual aids in what is a unique and stimulating learning environment.
New digital images are included where relevant as soon as they become available, ensuring presentations are kept up-to-date with the most recent discoveries.
Teachers regularly report the subjects covered as being difficult to adequately portray in the Classroom, but the visit of the Planetarium transforms the teaching of each topic into an unforgettable experience.
Very importantly, all sessions are 100% presenter-led: your children WILL NOT be watching a film. They can do that at home!

COVID 19 PANDEMIC - TEMPORARY MEASURES.

With the safety of staff, pupils (and myself) in mind, I feel that the responsible approach at the moment is to not present in the planetarium dome.
However, it should be possible to present in a Hall or Classroom provided the windows are fitted with blinds or curtains or can be covered in some other way to reduce the level of daylight.
Unfortunately star and constellation projections cannot be presented in this way as that requires use of the dome and star projector, but "Earth and Space" sessions can be of the usual duration by including more material than there is usually sufficient time to cover.
The prime objective of "The Black Hole" is to amplify and enhance aspects of the National Curriculum.
New digital images are included where relevant as soon as they become available, ensuring presentations are kept up-to-date with the most recent discoveries.
All sessions are 100% presenter-led: your children WILL NOT be watching a film. They can do that at home!
Presentations are timed to make full use of the time available whilst having regard to the age of the children and your school’s individual time constraints. Sessions are usually 40-55 minutes for "Earth and Space".
10 minutes 'turn around' is programmed between successive sessions which should give sufficient time for tables to be wiped with disinfectant.