About StarLab | Programs | Scheduling | Fees | Teacher Survey

What is the StarLab?

The StarLab is a portable planetarium. Made from a flame retardant industrial grade polymer fabric, the 22-ft. diameter dome is held up by air pressure from a fan. It can comfortably accommodate classes or groups of up to 35.

Where will the StarLab fit?
The StarLab requires a clean indoor 27ft. x 27ft. floor space with a 15 ft. vertical clearance. In most schools this requires that a gym, media center or large multipurpose room be reserved for the exclusive use of the StarLab. If the StarLab is scheduled for multiple consecutive days, it will be left set up overnight.

How is PARI’s StarLab used?
PARI’s StarLab is used for school programs as well as for the public programs, teacher workshops, camps and other special venues. Most school programs are designed to support the North and South Carolina curricula at the appropriate grade levels. All programs are presented by an astronomer/educator from PARI.

Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) is a not-for-profit public foundation under section 501(c)(3). The StarLab portable planetarium was acquired by PARI through a grant from the Transylvania Endowment and the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.

About StarLab | Programs | Scheduling | Fees | Teacher Survey