Domes

Choosing a projection dome means choosing a dome manufacturer.

Skypoint Planetariums distributes SPITZ domes, the world's most widely used dome screen. Our products are superior products and the best in the world for your particular needs and budget. Once selected the dome, we will work together with you and architects to layout the basics of your theater.

The primary goal of a planetarium projection dome is a seamless surface upon which to display a representation of the star field. To that end, each manufacturer has a unique approach to fabrication and installation. For example, Spitz domes consist of pre-coated panels that are said to be quite durable and very uniform in color. Again, your eye and budget will have to be the judge as to which you prefer.

Most modern domes are constructed of perforated aluminum panels. Normally the perforations amount to approximately 22% void area. This allows speakers and HVAC ducts to be mounted behind the dome screen, and reduces internal echoes. but in this case the room must has a sufficient space rear the dome for installation and maintenance work.

Domes also come in different reflectivity – that is, they are painted or coated with materials that reflect different amounts of light. This is said to reduce cross-bounce: the effect of illuminating one side of the screen and having reflected light show up on the other side of the screen, reducing the overall contrast of the image.

Your operative philosophy will most likely dictate whether or not your dome is to be tilted. The argument goes something like this. Flat domes preserve the sense of horizon and can maximize seating capacity. Tilt domes allow the audience to be closer to the action and provide a greater sense of immersion.

Portable inflatable domes

Skypoint Planetariums has in these years carefully selected its products for digital planetariums and thanks to the idea to be able to offer always the best products to our customers, we are glad to present the best inflatable domes on market, the Go-Domes.

The most important features that you can find exclusively on our inflatable Domes are:

  • Air-Lock for minimum air loss and light block
  • Domes available as standard or ring type
  • High quality surface for projection
  • Safe in all conditions

Dome diameter vs. Number of seats

There is no simple formula correlating dome size to seating capacity. It depends on the size of the seats, the area devoted to centrally located projectors, whether or not the seating is directional, how much the dome is tilted, if at all, and the size of any stage area. The table below will give you a very rough idea of typical seating capacities of various dome sizes.

Dome capacity
Dome Diameter Range Approximate Seating Capacity
Less than 7 meters 10 – 50*
7 to 11 meters 30 – 130
11 to 13 meters 40 – 200
13 to 16 meters 140 – 250
16 to 19 meters 200 – 270
19 meters and greater 250 - 400
  • Audiences larger than 50 have been accommodated under special circumstances in which the audience is an unusually far distance from the dome with extreme dome tilt or height.
Our installation in Padova (Padua),a SPITZ dome.

Our installation in Padova (Padua),a SPITZ dome.