Description

The Paul Dennis Science Hall at Ingram Planetarium has an exciting new exhibit this summer called Augmented Reality (AR). In technical jargon, Augmented Reality (AR) is a live, direct, or indirect view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are enhanced by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, or graphics. As a result, AR enhances one’s current perception of reality.

In non-technical terms, Augmented Reality is, quite simply, “really cool,” according to Planetarium visitor Charlie Griswold. Charlie, age 11, was visiting Ingram Planetarium recently from Bluffton, SC. He was thrilled by AR’s ability to make lifelike images jump off a book’s page and appear on a handheld tablet as 3-D images that can be manually manipulated. Planets, spaceships, and more swirled above the book as Charlie listened to the educational audio soundtrack. Education Coordinator Maria Knapik describes AR as “an interactive way of expanding book learning.”

The Planetarium’s Galaxy Gift Shop sells an Augmented Reality Planets 3D book and Learning Cards so you can experience AR at home. What a great gift for a child interested in science and astronomy!

Come to Ingram Planetarium and experience Augmented Reality for yourself. Admission to the Paul Dennis Science Hall is free. While you are at the Planetarium, consider watching one or more of these high-definition surround-sound Sky Theater shows: Legends of the Night Sky (11:15 – half-price); Undiscovered Worlds (1:00 – new this summer); Dynamic Earth (2:00); Oasis in Space (3:00); Seven Wonders (4:00).  Per-show admission is $8 for adults (13-61), $7 for seniors (62+), $6 for children (3-12), and free for ages 2 and under. Sky Theater shows are free for Planetarium members.

Ingram Planetarium is located at 7625 High Market Street in Sunset Beach, NC. The Planetarium opens at 11:00 Monday through Saturday; it is closed Sunday. For more information, call 910-575-0033 or visit www.musuemplanetarium.org.