* ALL DOMES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A HEPA AIR PURIFICATION SYSTEM *
Frequently asked Questions
* What if we need to cancel or postpone our booking due to COVID?
No need to worry. There is no penalty for bookings affected by COVID restrictions.
1. How much room do we need?
The standard dome needs a room or hall with a clear space of 6 metres wide by 7 metres long and a clear height of 3.1 metres at the very top of the dome.
Our Superdome requires a 9m x 10m area with a clear height of 4.1m. It is suitable for gymnasiums, school halls, and large venues only.
Because of its nature, the portable theatres cannot be set up outside. However, most classrooms, school halls, libraries, and gymnasiums are more than adequate for housing the dome.
2. How many people fit in the dome?
Our standard dome is recommended for 30 students, but a few more can be accommodated if necessary.
Our Superdome can fit around 60 students or two classes at a time as the optimum number of students.
3. How long does it take to set up and take down?
The dome and projection system takes roughly 60 minutes to set up. Your presenter will arrive around one hour before the first display to ensure everything is fine and to answer any questions before students arrive. It will take approximately the same time to pack away.
4. How much does the presentation cost?
The cost of a visit to your school is very reasonable. We come to you, so the only costs involved are the admission costs for each child. We are fully GST compliant, so you can claim the GST component after we send our invoice. We have options for all budgets, and prices will vary depending on location, the number of students attending, and the time hired. Please get in touch with us for a personalised quote.
5. Are the displays suitable for our students' units of study?
Yes. Each display is customised to map the current NSW syllabus for each year group. Our presenters have extensive experience, and the result is an interactive display that teachers will find invaluable in introducing or reinforcing the unit of study.
6. How many sessions can you do in one day?
Each session lasts approximately 40-60 minutes. We generally manage five sessions during a typical school day, but we can do more if the school wishes and timetables allow. We are also happy to customise presentations for your individual needs.
7. Why should we invite Starr's Planetarium to our school? (15 reasons here)
Because it is easy, safe, and risk-free, Starr's Planetarium requires a large room or gymnasium and a regular power point to set up the entire system in your school. There are no buses to arrange, no students to manage in unfamiliar surroundings, no fear of bad weather, no personal management risk for the teachers, no night excursions. The students and their teacher enter the dome through the special airlock, sit, and enjoy the experience - it's that simple.
8. How do I get in? Do I have to crawl?
No. You enter by walking through the special airlock. This airlock allows you to walk in without bending down or crawling like in other systems. Entry is much easier and far safer than in the older type of domes.
9. Is the planetarium suitable and accessible for people with restrictions?
Yes. Because of its unique design, our domes can accommodate visitors who use wheelchairs, have walkers, or are otherwise restricted.
We also have vast experience in catering for specific needs and organisations.
10. Is it hot or stuffy in there? What about airflow?
Although a fan continuously circulates air through the dome, the dome itself does not have climate control. Please cool or heat the venue for comfort and dress accordingly.
All domes are equipped with a HEPA air purification system.
11. Can we get out fast if we need to?
Yes, in seconds. Have all visitors stand up and move toward the centre of the dome. We grasp the edge of the dome fabric and lift it up and over the visitors so the dome flips over onto itself in a very controlled manner. Once in motion, the fabric should continue to bunch up on itself, falling to the floor. In just seconds, the entire group can be evacuated.
12. What areas do you travel to?
Starr's Planetarium regularly travels throughout the Sydney region. We will also happily travel to areas further afield; however, minimum student numbers or a slight fee increase are required to cover additional travel costs.
13. Do you supply additional resources to help teachers and students?
Yes. We supply a comprehensive list of resources and activities to complete this educational program. For further information, see our Activities page.
14. Do you supply documentation?
Yes. Our Documents page contains all the necessary documents (including T&Cs).
15. What do other principals and teachers have to say about this incursion?
Our Google Reviews and Testimonials pages speak for themselves.
16. Do you guarantee an excellent experience for us?
Yes. All of our presentations are guaranteed. Love the experience, or it's FREE!