Inside the R90-million Wits Digital Dome

The University of Witwatersrand (Wits) and Anglo American have revamped the Johannesburg Planetarium as the Digital Dome with an investment of R90 million.

The refurbished facility includes new digital projection, sound systems, and auditorium seating, with the possible future creation of a Science and Technology Exploratorium.

“The new Wits Anglo Digital Dome offers a 360-degree immersive experience for visitors of all ages, with a variety of shows for young and old,” the university said.

“It will also serve as a modern teaching venue and a collaborative research space where scientists and students can visualise their work — be it in big data, astrophysics, the digital arts, artificial medicine, microbiology, or precision medicine.”

For the upgrade, the facility’s original Zeiss projector — fitted over 60 years ago — was replaced with ten Sony GTZ380 digital projectors, which render images at an 8K resolution across the full dome interior.

“Each projector has its own image generator, which is controlled by a master computer,” Wits explained.

“The sound in the Digital Dome has also been upgraded to an 8.2 surround audio system.”

The first shows to be viewed in the Digital Dome at its official recent launch included six full dome shows donated by the American Museum of National History.

Wits Anglo American Digital Dome head Dr Moumita Aich said visitors would feel like they were part of the shows — whether gliding through the International Space Station or following a herd of wildebeest during their migrations in the Serengeti.

In addition to the upgrades in the planetarium dome itself, the facility has also been expanded with a new north wing housing operational offices, exhibition areas, and specialised spaces for Digital Dome show planning and design.

For the next phase of the project, an additional wing will be constructed to house studios. The aim is to develop content locally in conjunction with the Wits School of Arts, Digital Arts, the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, and other partners.

It will also link to Wits’ new AI Institute, slated for launch in the Digital Dome on 19 November 2024.

When it opened in 1960, the Johannesburg planetarium was the first full-sized planetarium on the African continent. The new Digital Dome is also the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

Wits University vice chancellor and principal Zeblon Vilakazi said the planetarium left a huge and indelible mark on him when he visited it in 1981.

“I believe that it played a key role in igniting a scientific spark that led to me becoming a nuclear physicist,” Vilakazi said.

“Through the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome, we hope to continue inspiring people from various disciplines, including those working in climate modelling, artificial intelligence and the digital arts.”

Anglo American chief executive officer Duncan Wanblad said the company saw investment in tertiary education as vital for advancing knowledge, driving innovation, and boosting economic growth.

“Universities are hubs of research and development, producing skilled professionals who tackle global challenges and push technological and scientific boundaries.”

“Infrastructure like the Digital Dome enable this progress, providing students with specialised skills, enhancing job prospects and earning potential while contributing to broader societal and economic transformation.”

The dome is currently in a pilot phase and will open its doors to the broader public in February 2025.

Wits and Anglo American will also make funds available in 2025 to allow learners from selected lower-income schools to attend shows at no cost.

Below are more photos of the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome.