Thanks to NASA support from the Competitive Program for Science Museums and Planetariums, museums, science centers, Challenger centers, and other 501(c)(3) community organizations are eligible for a free Discovery Dome loaner program. The Discovery Dome is available for month-long loans, and includes the show “We Choose Space,” but will also include other NASA-sponsored planetarium shows. All required software is included, as well as a free immersive game “Monster Trucks on the Moon.”
In order to receive a loaner Discovery Dome, your organization must:
- Commit to sending someone to Houston, Texas or Washington, D.C., for training (or pay for a trainer to come to your site).
- Pay for one-way return shipping of the system to Houston, or to its next location.
- Have insurance or guarantee for any loss or damage. If the mirror is damaged during use, the cost will vary from $100 (minor scratch) to $1,000 (replacement). The total financial commitment is $2,000 or less.
- Commit for a person to operate the dome, at least part time. Venues are allowed to sell tickets or otherwise charge (especially if offsite travel is involved), but to maximize usage, it is requested that fees be kept to a minimum.
Preference will be given to rural sites, sites more than 100 miles from a digital planetarium, and sites serving minority groups. To fill out an applications form, please visit http://adobe.ly/QiCZF0. To watch all available planetarium shows and resources, please visit http://bit.ly/PksfTm.
