However, Mike reasoned that flat surfaces offered superior surfaces and flat fields for projected close-ups of Planets, Nebulae etc, while the problems normally associated with projection of constellations were overcome by the use of adaptive optics.
In a neat way, Sigma Octans is represented by an LED permanently fixed in the angle-line between the Southern wall and the ceiling, at an angular altitude of approximately 34° above the virtual horizon.
Ease of construction of square forms, together with more sensible seating arrangements are so significant that it is amazing that this idea has taken so long to be put into effect.
The principle can easily be applied to many buildings that are disused or not used to any good effect, eg: Parliament House in Canberra (although an objection to this building could be that the roof was engineered on a narrow safety margin, relying on a constant production of hot air to help support its weight).
In a joint Australian / Canadian venture, Mike is combining with Steve Americancan. It is anticipated that the cubicle Planetarium will be finalised and officially opened on the first Sunday in April.
When not in use as a planetarium, the new building at Wiruna will be used to store a telescope, as the second component of their 25" binocular telescope, expected to be completed shortly. These binoculars will be made possible by their being linked with fibre optic cable, and research is currently in train to determine if they could be used for an interferometric function. One component on the Eastern (lower) Observing Field could be linked to a second component on the Western (upper) Observing Field, thus duplicating a binocular telescope 700 metres in diameter.