A portable planetarium consists of three basic components: (1) a small projector that can show the visible stars, planets, sun, lunar phases and all their relative movements across the sky, as well as other astronomical phenomena through the use of external slide projectors; (2) an inflatable dome under which the audience sits and on which the stars are projected; (3) an electric fan to inflate the dome.

A portable planetarium is exactly what its name implies: portable. The above mentioned three components take up no more than 1 square meter and can easily fit inside a small vehicle.

Around the globe, thousands of portable planetaria are already bringing the magic of the sky to children and adults alike, often in communities that either do not have permanent planetaria or are too far from them. A portable planetarium is a star theatre that can be both entertaining and educational.

The CUBEX Portable Planetarium

Althought a technically advanced instrument, the CUBEX portable planetarium is remarkably simple to operate. In minutes it can be installed and bring you and your audience the wonders of the night sky.

In spite of its small size, the CUBEX features a high quality stellar projection system that is capable of projecting a total of 2000 stars down to magnitude 5.5

Projection takes place onto the inflatable dome(*) which itself is completely opaque to exterior light thereby ensuring a totally dark environment for planetarium stargazing.

Highlights of the CUBEX portable planetarium:

• 5 or 6 meter Inflatable Dome.
• High quality 3 speed electric blower.
• High Quality Star projection which includes:
  • Compact, solid, construction
  • Smooth, quiet sideral motion rotation
  • 2000 high definition stars per cube (down to Mag 5.0)
  • Independently movable visible planets and sun projection
  • Independently movable Moon with phases
  • Rotation motor toggle switch for use with northern and southern hemisphere projection
  • Hand-held constelations outlines slide projector with dimmer switch
  • Sturdy, aluminum frame, foam-padded carrying case with wheels

The CUBEX was first introduced at the 15th. Biennial Conference of the International Planetarium Society in Montreal, Canada, in July 2000.

The CUBEX Star Projector

The CUBEX star projector can represent the night sky as can be seen from anywhere on Earth (0 to 90 degree latitude) in each hemisphere.

With an accurate, smooth-running and quiet motor, CUBEX can simulate the apparent movement of the celestial sphere due to Earth's rotation. A handy toggle switch allows the operator to change directions when changing hemispheric star projections. Naturally, the sun, the five naked-eye planets and the Moon with its phases can be accurately projected.

A hand held slide projector with mythological constellation outlines can be used to independently project these figures onto the dome.

Photo taken in the inside of Cubex dome, the projected sky is shown. Scorpius constelation can be seen with its outline superimposed over the bottom starfield.

The CUBEX is a complete system that is one of the most versatile learning and entertainment tool of today.

The CUBEX portable planetarium come in two heavy duty travel case and a bag for the dome. They are easy to carry everywhere. The complete equipment can fit in a compact car.

(*):Planetarium dome should be installed in a covered area protected from wind which could blow the dome away and cause damage and/or injury.