planetarium

[ plan-i-tair-ee-uhm ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, plural plan·e·tar·i·ums, plan·e·tar·i·a [plan-i-, tair, -ee-, uh].

an apparatus or model representing the planetary system.
a device that produces a representation of the heavens by the use of a number of moving projectors.
the building or room in which such a device is housed.

planetarium

/ ˌplænɪˈtɛərɪəm /

an instrument for simulating the apparent motions of the sun, moon, and planets against a background of stars by projecting images of these bodies onto the inside of a domed ceiling
a building in which such an instrument is housed
a model of the solar system, sometimes mechanized to show the relative motions of the planets

1765–75; < New Latin, noun use of neuter of Latin planētārius planetary; -arium

Ingulfus mentions at the same time a nadir, as he calls it, or planetarium, executed in various metals.

It no doubt corresponded in a great measure to our modern planetarium, or orrery, invented by the earl of that name.

Here also was born the ingenious Eisa Eisinga, who constructed the Franeker planetarium in the intervals of wool-combing.

The dome was lighted to represent a clear night, and, incidentally, all nights are clear in a planetarium.

OrreryA planetarium; an instrument showing the relative motions, positions and masses of the sun and planets.

April 25, 2024firkin

[fur-kin ]

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