Cutting-edge upgrades are sure to wow stargazers flocking to ʻImiloa, a world-class center for science education located on the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo campus. NASA funded a $720,000 upgrade for ʻImiloa which is now equipped with a 10K-resolution planetarium system using 10 laser-illuminated projectors, superior graphic performance and new features that will greatly enhance user experience and the center’s unique science and wayfinding programs.
“We are excited to unveil this brand new state-of-the-art planetarium system that will be an immense benefit to our community and science partners across many different disciplines,” said ʻImiloa Executive Director Kaʻiu Kimura. “We invite everyone to come enjoy this enhanced immersive space and see our universe as never before.”
First in Hawaiʻi
The 10K-resolution planetarium system will be one of the first of its kind in the country, and also a first in Hawaiʻi. Combined with increased computing power and a new software platform, the upgrade is geared toward significantly boosting ʻImiloa’s planetarium performance and creating new scientific journeys for visitors.
“We want to mahalo NASA for supporting this upgrade and our vendor, SSIA Technologies,” Kimura said. “This new system will allow us to greatly expand the educational tools available, from data visualization to video streaming and beyond.”
ʻImiloa closed its doors for two weeks in November so the new system could be installed and to conduct facility maintenance. The science and cultural museum will return to its normal operating schedule on November 22 (9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Wednesdays–Sundays).
ʻImiloa will be closed for Thanksgiving and reopen on November 24 for its Black Hole Friday event and special Pink Floyd planetarium program.
