LOCAL FILM
This article first appeared in African Science Stars magazine Issue 2
A LOOK AT A RISING STAR A fully immersive astronomy experience is now showing at the Iziko Planetarium in Cape Town. By: Nadine Sims 28
Science Stars Space Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
T
he locally produced planetarium film Rising Star takes a glimpse into Astronomy in South Africa, allowing unrestricted access and views of significant sites, such as
the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) and MeerKAT. The 24-minute film can be viewed at the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome in the Cape Town’s city centre and can also be viewed in VR format. The film is suitable for audiences of all ages and aims to excite and inspire viewers about the origins of astronomy and stargazing in South Africa and the world. It also introduces multi-wavelength and multi-messenger astronomy and what the future holds for astronomy development and research in the country. The film was produced by the company VR Capture, with support coming from the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) and the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). It is the brainchild of astronomer Daniel Cunnama. “I just hope that it inspires people to find out more about the astronomy we are doing here and be proud of our achievements as South Africans, and hopefully visit Sutherland and Carnarvon to take some of it in," says Cunnama.
