A Partnership between Dudley Observatory and Capital Region BOCES
Portable Planetarium for Enthusiastic Sky-gazers
Starlab is a portable planetarium. When unpacked and inflated, Starlab transforms into a 16-foot dome that accommodates up to 30 students, and is handicapped accessible. A projector and subject cylinders introduce participants to astronomical topics through exciting graphics projected on the dome’s interior. All that is needed is floor space, an electrical outlet, and enthusiastic sky-gazers. Starlab is great for schools, libraries, and other public organizations.
Starlab will be resuming bookings as of February 2023.
Download the Starlab brochure for 2019-20 school year
Starlab Meets Standards
Starlab programs are designed to supplement district science programs in earth and space science. NYS P-12 science standards that match our programs are listed in the program brochure. Supplemental activities for the classroom can be downloaded here:
Experience-based Learning
Do you think in 3-D? Basic concepts in astronomy can be difficult to grasp because they require imagining the solar system in 3 dimensions, and from different perspectives. Capital Region BOCES is now partnering with Dudley Observatory to provide interactive planetarium programs where students explore the orbital motions that cause predictable patterns in the phases of the moon, seasons, and the changing positions of constellations in our night sky. For example, a first-grade student might predict where the sun and moon appear to rise and set, while a fifth-grade student observes and records the sun’s seasonal path through the sky.
How to Schedule Starlab
Starlab can be booked by filling out a reservation form and emailing it to info@DudleyObservatory.org. A representative will reach out to you to finalize your program booking. All bookings are based on the availability of staff and are made on a first come first serve basis. You may also call 518-782-6885 with questions.
If your school is a member of BOCES, you may be eligible for aid. Please contact the Capital Region BOCES at 518-464-3999 or Laura.Lehtonen@neric.org for more information.
Room Requirements for Using the STARLAB
Basic details: Cleared floor space, 21 x 21 ft with a ceiling height of 11 ft and access to a power outlet. Our astronomy educators require 45 minutes for set-up before the first program.
Download our detailed specifications here: StarLab Setup Requirements (PDF)