The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), in partnership with diversified mining company Anglo American, have relaunched the old Johannesburg Planetarium as the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome, after major refurbishments.

Wits has noted that the new Digital Dome is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, made possible through an investment of R90-million from Anglo American and Wits.

The new Wits Anglo Digital Dome offers a 360° immersive experience for visitors of all ages, with a variety of shows.

“It will also serve as a modern teaching venue and a collaborative research space where scientists and students can visualise their work – be it in big data, astrophysics, the digital arts, artificial medicine, microbiology or precision medicine.

“The development of Johannesburg is intrinsically intertwined with the origins and growth of Wits, Anglo American and mining,” Wits said in a media statement.

Speaking at a media premiere on November 13, Wits vice-chancellor and principal Professor Zeblon Vilakazi described the planetarium as a multidisciplinary space that integrates elements from areas such as the humanities, arts, science, technology and mathematics.

Reflecting on the partnership between Wits and Anglo American, he reiterated the importance of collaboration between the private and public sectors.

“What [the Digital Dome] will do will be to enable us to reimagine as we are evolving in the modalities of teaching and learning in the advent of AI. So this is where the future will be, the future is being created now,” said Vilakazi

The original Zeiss projector has been replaced with ten new digital projectors to render an 8K full dome resolution. Each projector has its own image generator, which is controlled by a master computer.

The sound in the Digital Dome has also been upgraded to an 8.2 audio system.

Wits has noted that the refurbished facility includes the new digital projection, sound systems and auditorium seating, with the possible future creation of a Science and Technology Exploratorium.

A new north wing expansion houses operational offices, exhibition areas and specialised spaces for Digital Dome show planning and design.

The Wits Anglo American Digital Dome will enter a pilot phase from November to the end of January 2025 and is expected to open its doors to the broader public in February 2025.

The first shows to be viewed in the Digital Dome include a set of six full dome shows, donated by the American Museum of National History.

“This is indeed an inspiring venue. We have transformed the 64-year-old Johannesburg Planetarium into this 360°, high-tech immersive auditorium,” said Wits Anglo American Digital Dome head Dr Moumita Aich.

“In this Digital Dome, what you will be able to see is not just astronomy shows, but a variety of shows, anything from scientific documentaries to 360° animated shows for children, so that you can have coverage for all age groups,” she added.

Wits and Anglo American will make funds available to provide access to learners from selected quintile one to three schools to attend shows at no cost at the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome during 2025.

“Phase 3 of the project entails building a wing which will house studios and look towards developing content locally in conjunction with the Wits School of Arts, Digital Arts, the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, and other partners.

It will also link to Wits’ new AI Institute that will be launched on November 19 in the Digital Dome,” said Wits.