One of Brisbane’s cosmic attractions has reopened after a $750,000 makeover.

The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium now boasts Australia’s most advanced digital technology.

Vanessa Croll reports.

TRANSCRIPT

There’s a lot to be seen up there.

And since opening in 1978, the Planetarium at Mount Coot-tha has shown visitors the wonders of outer space.

Now, it has the only high-resolution, digital dome projection system in Australia.

Making us leaders in the field.

Mark Rigby, Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium Curator: “We’re really world’s best practice.”

The system uses six new digital projectors with special optics to guarantee a sharper, brighter image onto the dome above the audience.

Mark Rigby, Planetarium Curator: “You go in and you can have the universe at your fingertips, and you can fly anywhere it’s terrific.”

The ongoing redevelopments are funded by Brisbane City Council.

While the Planetarium runs at an annual net loss of $300,000 dollars, Lord Mayor Campbell Newman believes the financial investment is well worth it.

Campbell Newman, Lord Mayor: “This facility is an important part of our cities educational and cultural offering.”

If you don’t have a spare $200,000 to join Virgin Galactic on its next flight into space this might just be the next best thing, and it’s less than 15 dollars per person.”

The Planetarium’s current show, Cosmic Collisions, reveals the explosive encounters that shaped our solar system.

Narrated by Hollywood actor, Robert Redford, the three dimensional imagery was created by leading international scientists.

Vanessa Croll, QUT News