"Cosmic Journey"

What is "Into the Cosmos"

"Into the Cosmos" is a computer graphics platform projected on a large (22' x 28') curved screen bringing the information database of the universe to life in a 3D environment much like an immersive computer game. Loaded with scientific content, "Journey Into Space" brings to Journey Museum visitors a visual perspective of the enormity of the universe while presenting the science of our solar system, the stars and galaxies of the universe.  This planetarium software and computer is made possible solely through a generous donation by Dr. Ernest A. Schabauer, a retired physician and amateur astronomer from Rapid City, SD.

"Into the Cosmos" visualizes science of vastly different scales – from Earth Science and regional GIS data to large scale structures and cosmology, increasing the usability of our theater and multiplying the opportunities to support your classroom or an institution of higher learning. With minor exceptions, all imagery is from actual NASA missions and land-based observations from major telescopes.  In the "live" presentation mode our audience can virtually travel anywhere, at any time, in the universe. 

Another powerful feature is the ability to "dome-cast" from other national and international planetariums similarly equipped.  For example, the Journey Museum could receive a "dome-cast" from the Gates Planetarium in Denver or the Hayden Planetarium in New York offering a program from an astrophysicist providing Rapid City with world-class science programming.

What is Uniview?

A highly sophisticated computer device, "driven" by a pilot and – in our case – run through a computer. Utilizing images taken by NASA's satellites, it can provide a seamless visualization of the entire known universe. Imagery has very high clarity and a three-dimensional quality that is very appealing to viewers.

What can it do?

Uniview enables its pilot to take audiences through a scripted trip to outer space – but can also respond to an audience member's request to visit a specific site, on demand. Secondly, it can channel the transmission of a class or an event, in real time, that is being broadcast from a planetarium anywhere else in the world. Thirdly, it can play any of the many films created for use by planetariums, which are marketed by companies like Spitz Inc.

What linkage does "Into the Cosmos" provide to the Journey Museum?

The Journey Museum is the newest member of the Mid-West Planetarium Network, which includes seven planetariums in Minnesota. This provides us with relationships that can help further develop our goals for the program.

How can I help "Into the Cosmos" become a success?

Attend the programming and spread the word about this remarkable new opportunity. "Into the Cosmos", is the only planetarium experience between Minneapolis and Denver, so it truly is unique. Help us with fundraising by clicking on the donate button below or by providing us with a lead on a donor.  Any amount is welcome and appreciated!