Everyone dreams of seeing the starry sky at home. With the development of modern technology, even this has become a reality. With the help of a device such as a home planetarium, you can look into the depths of the Universe and feel the beauty of distant outer space. In general, a planetarium is a special equipment that projects an image onto a domed arch, wall or ceiling. All sorts of celestial bodies act as pictures here. In addition, with this device you can even simulate their movement in the sky.
Home planetariums themselves appeared on the market not so long ago, so many ordinary users do not even know about them. We decided to fill this gap and dedicate the article to such interesting and original units. But just before moving on to considering the useful qualities of specific models, let's look at what a home planetarium is and what capabilities it has.
Summary of the rating:
What do you pay attention to when buying a home planetarium?
Not so long ago, planetariums were optical-mechanical; today, such equipment is manufactured using the most modern digital technologies. They allow you to provide a demonstration of the image in the latest 3D format. This made it possible to provide a high level of mobility. Such devices are sold quite actively. Choosing a planetarium should be based on your needs. Many people buy it as an alternative to a standard night light. For such purposes, low-cost models that are capable of showing up to 10 thousand celestial objects at the same time will be most suitable.
If the device is intended for educational purposes, then you should pay attention to more expensive designs, especially since you can find equipment with a built-in guide function on sale. There are also models used to teach astronomy in schools and other educational institutions. They will cost quite expensive, so not everyone is able to afford them.
By and large, the home planetarium is a standard projector, but instead of slides, a special projection disk is installed here. At the bottom of the product is a fairly powerful light source, above which this disk is located. It is made of special coated glass. The light coming from the lamp will only pass through areas lacking this coating. Thus, the map of the starry sky will be projected onto the lens. As an optical system, the lens acts here. With its help, the image is enlarged and displayed on a given surface. The projection of the starry sky rotates, like real stars, and the user can choose the speed and direction of rotation - depending on the most preferred hemisphere. Most devices for home use have a timer that will completely turn off the product after a certain period of time. As a rule, it has three positions - 15, 30 and 60 minutes.
In most cases, such devices are completely self-contained and operate on several finger-type batteries.Many manufacturers complete the product with a power supply, and on the case they make an appropriate socket for it so that the equipment can be connected to the network. Users in their reviews recommend placing the device at a distance of about 1.8 - 2 meters from the projected surface, the maximum can be up to 3 meters. If the removal is large, then the picture quality will be much worse.
Depending on the selected distance, the magnitude of the projection will also vary. Most of the home planetariums are equipped with special stands, thanks to which the image will be displayed on the ceiling and on the walls. On sale you can find designs equipped with audio inputs and stereo speakers. When choosing a model, they pay attention to how clear the picture is - this will be an indicator of the optics and overall quality of the device. It is best to give preference to compact devices, since such a device will best fit into the interior of the room.
When choosing models for our rating of the best home planetariums of 2019, we were guided, first of all, by user reviews, however, we took into account all the above factors and the ratio of price and quality of designs. For each product, we tried to collect the maximum amount of information so that you can choose for yourself the most optimal products that will delight you and your household with a beautiful image of the starry sky for many years.
The best models of home planetariums
10. Planetarium Levenhuk LabZZ SP10
This compact model will be a great gift for all people who love astronomy and starry sky, regardless of age. The picture will look most beautiful on a flat white surface. In addition, the darker the room, the brighter the stars and the whole picture. For projection, the wall or ceiling will be most suitable. The optimal distance from the projector to the screen should be from one and a half to two meters. Two projection disks are included with the product; in total, about ten thousand stars and other space objects can be seen on them. On one disc, they are shown in exactly the same way as they look in real life when observed with the naked eye. The second disk provides schematic images of the constellations, they are combined by light lines in the contours. The disk can be turned on the other side - in this case, the projection will be in mirror image.
The housing is equipped with a convenient and reliable hinged-type stand, so the lens can be directed both vertically and horizontally. Disks are inserted into a special tray located on the front panel. The lens is equipped with a special ring that allows you to adjust the image, to make it more clear. The device is fully autonomous - runs on four AA batteries. Together with the planetarium, the planisphere is supplied, which is a moving map of the starry sky. Thanks to this element, it is possible to understand which constellations and other objects can be considered at a certain time of the year.
Benefits:
- High-quality assembly;
- Case made of matte plastic;
- Long service life;
- It works for a long time on one set of batteries.
Disadvantages:
- The function of shooting stars is not provided;
- There is no lens cap to protect it from scratches and other damage.
9. HomeStar Aurora Alaska
A very original and interesting design, with which you can not only admire the starry sky, but also watch the colorful sunset, which will then be replaced on a clear night, there is also the opportunity to look at the northern lights. All pictures have sound accompaniment - surf noise, cicadas chatter and so on. They were created by the well-known Japanese scientist Miho Mikheshi. Unlike most similar designs, this model is equipped not with one but with three lenses at once. This makes the projection even more realistic.On the screen you can see up to 10 thousand stars, and the maximum projection diameter is about 1.8 meters. The product is powered by four finger batteries, which provide continuous operation of the unit for about 4-5 hours. There is a built-in on-off timer for 5 or 30 minutes.
The planetarium is perfect for a variety of purposes: with its help you can create an original atmosphere at home, it can also be used for a detailed study of the visible map of the starry sky. In the kit there is a Russified instruction. The equipment is manufactured by the Japanese company SEGATOYS, which is well known to Russian users due to its rich series of electronic games. One of the developers of the device is the designer Takayuki Ohira.
Benefits:
- There are quality built-in speakers;
- You can watch not only the stars, but also watch the sunset or the northern lights;
- There is a jack for connecting standard headphones;
- Long battery life.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
8. Bresser National Geographic Astro Planetarium
A more functional model than previously considered. Particular attention was paid by the developers of the reliability of the starry sky. Included with the device is a disk that exactly repeats the celestial map of the northern hemisphere. An observer can immediately see up to 16 thousand stars and more than 60 constellations. Like all designs included in our review of the best home planetariums, there is a function of automatic shutdown, which can significantly extend the battery life. If necessary, the device is connected to a household electrical network, however, a power cable is not supplied with it - it will have to be purchased separately. There is a built-in radio, if desired, you can connect an mp3 player. You can control the device with the help of several buttons located on the front panel.
The planetarium has a shooting star mode, which gives the projected picture an additional appeal. There is an adjustable stand, it is possible to adjust the sharpness of the image, which allows you to set the device farther or closer to the surface to which the image is transmitted.
Benefits:
- Very stylish and small-sized design, which, if desired, can be taken with you on a long journey;
- Convenient adjustable stand;
- High level of confidence of the sky map.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- The base has faces where dust will be visible.
7. Bresser Junior Delux
With this device, you can admire 8000 stars and see about 60 different constellations characteristic of the northern hemisphere. The projection, if necessary, can be rotated horizontally, there is a function of shooting stars. In addition, the planetarium has another original opportunity: the user can set the date and time, and the device will show the exact configuration of the celestial map on a given day. The device is perfect for children, regardless of age, as it is absolutely safe. The design is equipped with two built-in electric motors, one of which will be responsible for the effect of shooting stars, and the other will rotate the projector in planes. The product has a high power fluorescent backlight, which allows you to give the picture additional brightness.
The device can be installed absolutely anywhere where there is a flat surface. The planetarium is powered by batteries, completely autonomous. The design is able to turn off automatically after 30, 60 or 120 minutes.
Benefits:
- High quality components and assembly;
- Environmentally friendly device;
- It is completely safe for the child.
Disadvantages:
- Detailed image leaves much to be desired - some stars on the projection merge.
6. HomeStar Pro 2 Original
It has a rather stylish appearance: the planetarium has the shape of a ball, which is located on a stand made of polished stainless steel tubes.The body of the structure is painted black, it is made of reliable plastic with a matte finish, it is well resistant to various kinds of defects such as scratches. A decent size external lens is mounted on top. On one of the sides there is a button control panel, as well as a drive bay, through which the projection will be created. Inside is an electronic unit, there is also the latest optical system, which includes 6 lenses at once. A rather bright LED with a power of 3 W acts here as a light source. Thanks to these design features, it is possible to create a realistic and very beautiful map of the starry sky, its maximum diameter can reach almost 3 meters.
On the projection, you can see up to 60 thousand stars. A picture can be projected onto a wall or ceiling. It is best if the device is located at a distance of about 2-2.5 meters from the screen. It is desirable that the surface is light and monotonous, without any patterns, as they will greatly distort the image. The device works from a household network. He has two modes of operation - rotation and shooting star mode. In the first case, the picture will rotate, creating the effect of the rotation of our planet. In the second, there are shooting stars that appear randomly, so that the picture becomes even more realistic. Three-position timer - designed for 15, 30 or 60 minutes. The lens is additionally protected from scratches with a special plastic cover.
Benefits:
- Allows you to get a really three-dimensional picture;
- Stylish and modern appearance;
- A large number of stars and constellations.
Disadvantages:
- Weak network adapter.
5. BONDIBON Young Prodigy
This model has the most affordable cost compared to other devices that are included in our rating of the best home planetariums. According to users in their numerous reviews, this device will be an excellent gift for children who are interested in science from an early age and love to assemble designs on their own. Therefore, before setting off on a long journey through cosmic infinity, a child will first be able to find out exactly how the planetarium works. After the assembly is completed, he will be able to fully get an idea of the stars and constellations with the effect of real reality.
Detailed instructions and a diagram of the device are supplied with the device. It is quite informative, as it contains a large number of interesting facts about space - it explains to a child what weightlessness is, talks about the need for space stations, gives an idea of what a person experiences during serious overloads that occur on the body before the spacecraft goes into orbit . With the help of a home planetarium, the child's horizons will expand significantly, perhaps he will be carried away by a deeper study of astronomy. The workmanship of the device is quite acceptable for its value.
Benefits:
- The need to assemble a planetarium yourself;
- Absolutely safe;
- Serves for a long time with careful handling.
Disadvantages:
- Some nodes are weak.
4. SITITEK AstroEye
A universal model, which in its essence is not just a planetarium, but a complete set aimed at a deep study of astronomy. A projection of the starry sky is supplied with the device, and all the main constellations are not only marked there, but also signed, in addition there is a poster with their image and a book that tells about the signs of the zodiac, their origin and myths associated with them. The second projection disk is designed to test the knowledge gained - in other words, a person will consider the moving sky and independently look for constellations there. It’s quite simple to change disks - you don’t have to disassemble the case: it’s enough to press a special key, take out an unnecessary disk and put the required one in its place. Directly on the body of the product there is a rotary mechanism on which the exact date and time is displayed, according to which stars in the sky will be displayed.
In total, you can see about 8 thousand stars and over 30 constellations. Customizing the product is easy. The battery compartment is closed with a special cover with a screw holder. One set will be enough for continuous operation for three to four hours. The option of working from the mains is not provided. The four-position automatic shutdown timer in increments of 30 minutes. The lens is equipped with manual focus. The shape of the planetarium is round, swivels easily, does not jam. Users have no complaints about the quality of workmanship. The paint layer will remain in its original form for a long time.
Benefits:
- An excellent model not only for admiring the starry sky, but also for learning;
- Bright and realistic picture;
- You can install and configure in a few minutes.
Disadvantages:
- It is not very convenient to change the batteries, besides, operation from the network is not provided;
- There is no musical accompaniment or shooting star effect either.
3. Eastcolight
In third place in our rating of the best home planetariums of the year is a very interesting design, which has an original distinguishing feature - providing a 3D image effect. This device is one of the best for lovers of astronomy, well suited for young children. The projector is quite high-quality, with its help you can instill in your child a love for this science. The sky in the picture seems really endless and voluminous. The characteristics of this product are quite high: there are about 8 thousand stars in the database, there is a built-in radio, constellations and individual stars move in the sky in real time. It also provides the function of shooting stars and comets, there is a timer.
The design is equipped with a system of two multimedia speakers. In addition, you can connect various kinds of gadgets to this planetarium, including mp3 players. Discs are not supplied with this product, instead of them there are films. The first will depict stars, the second will show a map of the constellations. They change very simply - the child will be able to do this on his own, without the help of adults. The case is made of high-quality plastic, additionally reinforced with stiffeners, so it is almost impossible to break it. Managing a planetarium is very easy.
Benefits:
- Quality multimedia speakers;
- High reliability and long service life;
- Outdated disks have been replaced by more modern films.
Disadvantages:
- It works exclusively on batteries;
- The products are quite expensive.
2. Star Theater Pro Uncle Milton
A model quite popular among users that does not need special adjustment - just turn on the planetarium and enjoy the view of the bright starry sky. The design is futuristic, very attractive. The case is made of high-quality plastic with a matte finish. It well resists various kinds of physical influences, maintaining its original appearance throughout the entire period of operation. All controls located on the front panel have LED indicators. The optical system of the lens allows you to get an image of perfect definition. The same can be said about the lenses - they do not create glare and cloudy areas. Stars are displayed on the screen using a bright, cool white LED. At the same time, you can see up to 10 thousand stars.
Two disks are supplied with the product at once - one black and white with a map of the starry sky, and the second colored “Earth, Moon and Sun”. A drive with a retractable drive slot, and it’s entirely acceptable to use other drives manufactured by this company. The projection can be done both static and movable.Its direction, as well as focus, are adjustable. The automatic timer has two positions - 30 and 60 minutes. It is connected to the mains via an ordinary USB adapter. A power cable is not included, but you can use a charger from any mobile phone instead. The device stand is very comfortable, swivel type, fixed independently in a predetermined position, not too tight.
Benefits:
- Beautiful appearance;
- High image quality;
- Reliable materials and assembly - no backlash, no extraneous creaks;
- Long period of operation;
- Safe for children.
Disadvantages:
- Not so easy to find on sale.
1. Segatoys HomeStar Classic
And finally, the leader of our today's review of the best planetariums is another model from a well-known Japanese manufacturer. The main distinguishing feature of this product is a carefully thought-out unique lens system that allows you to project up to 60 thousand stars at a time. It is also worth noting a rather large configuration of the device - 7 disks are supplied with it. The starry sky can rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise, of course, there is also a fixed version of the projection. The starfall function was not without, the three-position timer - for 15, 30 or 60 minutes. In addition, 3D glasses come with this device, thanks to which the image becomes even more realistic.
The planetarium fully complies with all international standards of quality and safety. The distance from the projector to the surface can reach about 3 meters. The device is characterized by a long warranty period - 2 years. The device is powered from the mains, the adapter is supplied. Suitable for both children and adults, the product helps to fully explore the entire map of the starry sky.
Benefits:
- Realistic and clear image;
- 3D glasses are included, thanks to which the picture becomes even closer to the real one;
- It can be used for both entertainment and educational purposes;
- Immediately seven disks included in the kit;
- A wide range of additional features.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
In conclusion, a useful video
Our review of the best home planetariums of 2019 is complete. We hope that you were able to choose the best products for yourself. If you have any questions, you can ask them in the comments - we will answer them quickly. It will also be very interesting for us and our readers to learn about your experience in using such products, if you have one, of course.
(1 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)
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