Presentation Information
[O5-02]Bridging the Real and the Virtual Sky: Internet Telescopes Meet the VR Planetarium
*Kouichi TODA1, Yuki Yamamoto2, Tasuku Yoshioka3 (1. Toyama Prefectural University (Japan), 2. Tohoku University of Community Service and Science (Japan), 3. Toyama Science Museum (Japan))
Keywords:
Internet Telescope System,Virtual Reality Planetarium,Astronomy Education,STEM Education
The Internet Telescope System, developed and operated by our project, enables remote astronomical observations through Internet-based control of telescopes located at multiple sites. This system has been widely utilized for both research and educational purposes, allowing users worldwide to access real-time celestial data. To further enhance its educational capabilities, we have integrated its astronomical image database and star-map visualization programs with virtual reality (VR) technology, thereby creating an interactive "VR Planetarium."
Traditional planetariums provide immersive, weather-independent simulations of the night sky, capable of reproducing both historical and future celestial configurations. Conceptually linking such systems with Internet-based telescopes offers a promising framework that can bridge theoretical understanding with real observational data. Although direct integration with existing planetarium facilities remains at a conceptual stage, such collaboration would have a significant educational impact-enabling audiences to explore astronomical phenomena through simulation and verify them through live telescope observations.
In the VR Planetarium, celestial objects-such as Messier objects and Solar System bodies-are placed within a three-dimensional virtual environment. When users direct their gaze toward an object, its image and descriptive information are displayed. By adjusting parameters such as latitude, longitude, altitude, and time, users can reproduce the sky as seen from any location or era. The system operates entirely with a VR headset, eliminating the need for handheld controllers. Development is being conducted collaboratively with students at Yamagata Prefectural Chidokan Senior High School, using A-Frame for WebVR construction and the JavaScript version of the Astronomy Engine for celestial coordinate computation. The VR Planetarium has been actively demonstrated at science outreach events, providing engaging experiences for participants of all ages. Plans include developing curriculum-based educational modules, particularly for schools in rural areas that lack access to traditional planetarium facilities.
Traditional planetariums provide immersive, weather-independent simulations of the night sky, capable of reproducing both historical and future celestial configurations. Conceptually linking such systems with Internet-based telescopes offers a promising framework that can bridge theoretical understanding with real observational data. Although direct integration with existing planetarium facilities remains at a conceptual stage, such collaboration would have a significant educational impact-enabling audiences to explore astronomical phenomena through simulation and verify them through live telescope observations.
In the VR Planetarium, celestial objects-such as Messier objects and Solar System bodies-are placed within a three-dimensional virtual environment. When users direct their gaze toward an object, its image and descriptive information are displayed. By adjusting parameters such as latitude, longitude, altitude, and time, users can reproduce the sky as seen from any location or era. The system operates entirely with a VR headset, eliminating the need for handheld controllers. Development is being conducted collaboratively with students at Yamagata Prefectural Chidokan Senior High School, using A-Frame for WebVR construction and the JavaScript version of the Astronomy Engine for celestial coordinate computation. The VR Planetarium has been actively demonstrated at science outreach events, providing engaging experiences for participants of all ages. Plans include developing curriculum-based educational modules, particularly for schools in rural areas that lack access to traditional planetarium facilities.