Visitors to The University of Toledo Ritter Planetarium will soon have a better look at the universe and a more immersive experience after the installation of a new, upgraded digital projection system.

Ritter Planetarium will close to the public starting Saturday, Dec. 24, to remove the current system and replace it with a Digistar 7, a state-of-the-art projection system that provides better quality imagery at 4K and the ability to bring livestreamed events and shows from around the world to the 40-foot domed ceiling.

“We are investing in sophisticated technology to keep the Ritter Planetarium at the cutting edge,” said Dr. Michael Cushing, professor of physics and astronomy and director of Ritter Planetarium. “Digistar 7 has higher resolution and sharper colors than our current system and includes a bunch of new features that will improve our audience’s experience. The opportunities are just incredible. For example, we could watch live full dome feeds of NASA launches or fly through Valles Marineris on Mars using an X-box controller.”

The new, $320,000 Digistar 7 system replaces the SciDome XD projector system acquired in 2011. The renovations were made possible by the generosity of a loyal donor.

Ritter Planetarium, which first opened in 1967, is expected to reopen in March.

The planetarium hosts more than 300 programs each year.

Approximately 5,000 students visit the planetarium every year.