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Star theatre : the story of the planetarium
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Star theatre : the story of the planetarium

by William Firebrace

This illustrated history traces the evolution of the planetarium from its 1920s German origins to the modern era. It explores how these structures combine science, architecture, and theatre to simulate the cosmos and reflect contemporary astronomical discoveries.

Accession 13065 ISBN 9781780238357 Publisher Reaktion
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TAGS
Curated Derived
Architecture Art Astronomy Geography History Light Science
CONNECTIONS
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State
on_shelf
True
position_updated_at
2026-06-01 16:37
orientation
vertical
Details

Physical

binding_type
Hard Back
dimensions
none captured
spine_text
none captured

Metadata

Book form
LOCATION HISTORY
M:N3:17 2 Current vertical
4 days, 22 hours ago
M:N3:15 2 vertical
1 week, 3 days ago
Book Location
Updated 4 days, 22 hours ago
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Last synced 2026-05-21 00:59 (2 weeks, 2 days ago)

Identity

name→ title
Star theatre : the story of the planetarium
vernon_id
20488
accession_no→ accession_number
13065
vernon_slug
star-theatre-the-story-of-the-planetarium-william-firebrace

Drives Pulse state

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On Shelf
location_name
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location_reason
On Shelf
isbn_issn→ isbn (when valid)
9781780238357

Descriptive

production_date
2017
object_type
Books/Document genres/Information forms/Visual and Verbal Communication
object_status
Accessioned
brief_description
Most of us can recall a childhood visit to a planetarium: the sense of anticipation, the room darkening, the stars coming up, the voice of the astronomer. In the planetarium, the wondrous complexity of the cosmos combines with entertainment in a theatre of the night. But how and where did the planetarium originate? What kind of simulation of the solar system and the universe does the planetarium produce? How does the planetarium mix theatre with science? And how has it changed with developments in astronomy? Star Theatre explores the history of this unique building, designed to reveal the universe around us on an ever-expanding scale. It traces its historical origins, from the early precedents for the planetarium, to its invention in Germany in the 1920s, its developments in the USSR and the United States, its expansion across the globe at the time of the space race, and the evolution of the contemporary planetarium in the recent period of startling astronomical and cosmological discoveries. This concise, well-illustrated history will appeal to planetarium lovers as well as those interested in astronomy, architecture, theatre, and cinema.

Subjects & people

authors→ author (initial fill only)
William Firebrace
tags→ tags
Art, Arts, Science, Art, Modern -- 20th century, Astronomy, Physical sciences, Light, Electromagnetic waves, Electromagnetic theory, Electric fields, Field theory (Physics), Physics, Stars, Galaxies, Sky, Constellations, Light art, Light and space (Art movement), Minimal art
subject_people
Isaac Newton (b.1643, d.1727)
subject_objects
—

Cover image

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13065

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Topics and Themes