Ever feel dwarfed by the vastness of space? The Johannesburg Planetarium offers a glimpse into that immensity. This is the first full-sized planetarium in Africa. It is also the second in the southern hemisphere.
The story of the Johannesburg Planetarium begins in 1956. The Festival Committee wanted to celebrate Johannesburg’s 70th anniversary. They decided to buy a Zeiss planetarium. But new instruments took too long to acquire. So they sought an existing projector in Europe.
After negotiations, the Festival Committee convinced Hamburg to sell their planetarium’s projector. It had been in use since 1930. Hamburg agreed on a condition. The projector had to be modernised. This happened at the Zeiss factory in Oberkochen. Johannesburg would eventually build a new planetarium for Hamburg.
The Hamburg projector was dismantled and moved. It was completely rebuilt. The Johannesburg City Council took over the project. They then sold the projector to the University of the Witwatersrand. It would be used for teaching and as a public amenity. Plans for a new building were drawn up in 1958. Construction started in 1959. The Johannesburg Planetarium opened on 12 October 1960.
Arthur Edward Herbert Bleksley played a significant role. He was a professor of applied mathematics and astronomy. Bleksley helped establish the Zeiss projector. He secured its purchase by Wits. He was appointed the first director. Bleksley gave 2000 lectures. He informed citizens about space exploration. He was known as Mr Science for explaining complicated concepts simply.
In 2022, the Johannesburg Planetarium was reimagined. It became the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome. High-resolution projectors and surround sound were installed. This created an immersive environment. It is a place for storytelling and education.
The Johannesburg Planetarium has been consulted by the media. This is done to explain unusual sky occurrences. In 1969, it was the first venue in South Africa. It screened footage of the Apollo 11 moon landing. This event connected locals to space exploration.
The Johannesburg Planetarium has a rich history. During World War II, projectors like this trained navigators. They taught them celestial navigation. The planetarium also incorporates indigenous astronomical knowledge.
The Johannesburg Planetarium has evolved. It has improved from the Zeiss projector. It now has digital systems. It provides engaging and informative shows.
The Johannesburg Planetarium stands as a testament. It shows the enduring human fascination with the stars. It inspires new generations. They can look up and wonder.