Planetarium Operation
This section describes the procedures to be followed in operating the MS-8 Planetarium. The discussion
is arranged in three parts: preparing for the demonstration, conducting a demonstration, and shutdown
of the instrument power.
Note for Safety Operation:-Before a power switch of the instrument is turned on, it must be
certain that all dimmer control knobs and speed control knobs of all motions shall be at "OFF" position
to avoid any damage on the components by the rush or surge by being suddenly switched on. And in case
of sudden power failure, all control knobs and the switchesshall be immediately returned to "OFF" position
by the same reason.
Preparation
- System Power On: Refer to the Main Panel diagram (Panel-A) and locate the power switch: the
key operated main switch. Turn on the key-operated main switch and all systems should be activated.
- Functional Check of Systems: Activate all motors and lamps to check for proper operation.
- Check of Hand-Pointer: First check the pointer switch and the pointer image for focus. Be sure
the dimmer control is turned up. (Option not available at the UW.)
- Precession Position Check: The precession dial and the ecliptic/equator must be energized by means of their
switches. The precession dial should read +2 for this century's position. For more precise check,
check the position of delta Orionis if it is positioned at 5 hr 29 minutes in RA or mu Orionis at 6 hr
(1950 epoch). If necessary to correct this setting, operate the precession motion very slowly for
necessary direction and set these stars at exact position.
- Check for Other Settings: Check the instrument to make certain that is is conveniently adjusted to demonstrate
the object to be required for the program. Check the year counter on the console to make certain that it is
on the correct year. Project the ecliptic to be sure that the Sun is correctly positioned for the date.
- Latitude Setting: Before the start of the program, the instrument should be adjusted to the required
latitude. Immediately before the start, the latitude should be checked by reading the latitude scale
on the latitude indicator located on the control panel. Another check for more accurate way can
be made by projecting the meridian and the celestial pole indicating arrow, and reading the latitude
directly from the altitude of the north celestial pole. Correction can be made by operating the latitude motion
control.
- Sun's Position: Move the Sun to a desired position on the dome screen by running the diurnal motion
motor control and set the Sun at desired date and month on the ecliptic by annual motion.
- Slide Preparation: Classify the slide artworks and install the desired slides on the projector. Aim and
adjust their orientation to the desired position on the dome. Turn on the switch that operates the slide projector
to be used to check projector operation.
- Cardinal Points: If desired, the cardinal points should be turned on before the lecture.
- It is advisable to have a table listing the events of the day, such as the time of sunrise and sunset,
lunar phase, and other phenomena of special interest in a convenient place on the console. A list of the
musical selections used in the program might be an aid.
Conducting the Presentation
- Console Lights: The lights on the control console can be annoying to the audience; therefore, the
Minolta control console has been designed to minimize this condition, while still remaining amply lit
to guide the operator. Dimming controls have been provided where required.
- Start-Up Effects: At the start of the lecture or show, the daylight, blue lights (moon glow) and twilight
should be on.
The diurnal motion is started at a slow speed. The projected sun slowly sets to the western horizon. As
the sun sets, the daylight is slowly dimmed, with the blue light following. The brightness of the twilight
is slowly dimmed out as the sun sets below the western horizon. As the light of dome blue fades out, the moon and
planets are slowly brought up to full brilliance, then the fixed stars. To enhance the beauty and serenity of
the sunset and early evening period, appropriate music should be played softly throughout the above sequence.
The effective use of the dome lights is very important in producing a realistic sunset sequence. If dimming of
daylight is used along to increase the darkness, no matter how slowly it is done, the illumination is suddenly changed
to total darkness, resulting in an abrupt change from sunset and twilight to the evening skies. Such an
abrupt change is undesirable. A more effective transition may be made when the dome blue light is used
simultaneously with the daylight. The blue light can be used to reproduce scenes such as a moonlit night and
the whole night of the polar regions.
- Time Passage: To illustrate the passage of time of a given night while the lecture is in progress, the
meridian transit time of principle stars should be studied in advance.
- Motion Control Operation: When operating any of the motion controls, precessions, latitude, and diurnal,
care must be taken to proceed slowly since a rapid motion is generally unpleasant to the audience.
- Precession: It is recommended that when operating the precession motion, the dimmers for the sun,
moon and planets be turned off.
- Pointer: When using the pointer, move it slowly as practical so that it can be easily followed.
- Motor reversal: Reversal of all drive motors should be effected only after they have come to a
full stop.
- General control operation: All switches and dimmers should be turned to "OFF" positions when
that function is not being used.
- Terminology: When presenting a program to the general public, it is advisable to restrict the
use of technical terms to a minimum.
- Care must be taken not to turn the lights up or on too quickly after the audience has been in the complete
darkness for so long.
Shutdown Procedure
There is a card attached to the console outlining the procedure to follow after each presentation. In general:
- Return the Sun to the current date (AND YEAR) and place it just above the western horizon.
- Make sure the precession dial is on the correct year.
- Make sure the latitude is set for about +48 degrees.
- Make sure all dials controls are fixed so that no LED's are blinking.
- Turn down all small control knobs.
- Switch all control buttons to "OFF."
Please inform Stacy Palen (or Don Brownlee or Ana Larson) if there were any problems, lamps burned out, controls not
working, etc., as soon as possible after your presentation.