By Staff

Arizona Science Center, the state’s premier destination for science and discovery, announced today a new and significant investment in its Dorrance Planetarium. In partnership with Cosm, a leading immersive technology, media, and entertainment company, as its official partner, the technology will transform the visitor experience. As one of the most advanced planetariums in North America and an early adopter of category-defining immersive technology, the reimagined Dorrance Planetarium, powered by Cosm Technology, will feature an 18-meter diameter, CX System LED dome display with 8K+ resolution, making it the most technologically advanced planetarium in North America and a global leader in engaging science experiences.  

With the transformation of the Dorrance Planetarium, guests can experience wonder and imagination in entirely new and unprecedented ways through best-in-class technology that delivers the highest-level resolution, contrast, and brightness that is more than 100x the brightness in most planetarium projection domes, all of which can only be achieved through Cosm’s CX System. Arizona Science Center will have the capability to present a wide variety of science, education, and entertainment content, including, live and interactive astronomy presentations as well as licensed and custom-produced shows. With its capability to showcase the highest-quality, most immersive content, the Dorrance Planetarium will inspire, educate, and engage curious minds in unparalleled ways. 

“Our heartfelt thanks go to Jacquie and Bennett Dorrance. Their generous support, and the support of others, will transform the Dorrance Planetarium into an essential highlight of the visitor experience, providing captivating and educational content to engage and inspire guests of all ages,” said Guy Labine, The Hazel A. Hare President & CEO of Arizona Science Center. 

Arizona Science Center celebrates its 40th anniversary of providing STEM education in Arizona this year and serves as a beacon of learning, boundless curiosity, and intrigue. Originally opened in 1997, Arizona Science Center’s Dorrance Planetarium has welcomed more than two million guests. The reimagination of the planetarium sets the Science Center on a bold course to become a global leader in engaging science experiences fostering a community where people value science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to inform decision-making as well as to enrich lives.

The reimagined Dorrance Planetarium will reopen to guests in early 2025.