Astrophysics - Software-based telescope control in the Planetarium Halle

Barrier-free, self-sufficient and remote.

The new planetarium in the former gasometer is one of the most modern in Europe.

The circular dome hall with 12-meter diameter offers space for over 100 guests. Thanks to the most innovative projection and sound technology, celestial phenomena 360-degree video projections are shown here. In addition, there is an observation terrace and an observatory. The Planetarium Halle is also an important network partner of the astronomical community with great significance for the science, research and technology location Halle.

sciencentric® develops the software to control the telescope system.

Our long-time business partner and customer Baader Planetarium supplies the telescopes for the Halle Planetarium – including planning of the system and all components. When in 2020 an application is needed to expose the produced images for shows in the planetarium, Baader calls us in. The goal is to control the connected telescope completely autonomously and from a distance, and to use it to produce corresponding images or videos.

A web interface as a holistic and maximally flexible solution approach

The observatory as well as the control of the telescope system will be completely redeveloped on the basis of a web platform and can be operated barrier-free from the planetarium or from a distance completely robotically. Thanks to our specially adapted software solution, any celestial objects can be approached in a controlled manner and synchronized with the earth’s rotation, resulting in blur-free images and videos.

Astro Bric Stack in use

Astro Bric Stack, our astro construction kit is a programmatic base that runs on a computer that usually has a connection to a telescope. This base provides interfaces to the outside world to control the connected devices. We are developing a special web interface for Halle that uses these interfaces to control the telescope. The architecture is multi-layered and decoupled – so it doesn’t matter how the access is done. Another advantage is that the individual hardware and software components can be replaced at will, without the need for adaptation or reprogramming.

The result

In the new planetarium, not only can the stars be observed and studied, but also all current events in astronomy and space travel can be followed – from live images from Mars to the next flights of German astronauts. Halle is always right in the middle of things – and we are part of this adventure. We are very proud to have been able to work on this project.