Newtonian™2

Newtonian™2 set up. Off the shelf projector, sound system and laptop

The Newtonian™2 is an optical projection system designed to be both portable and optically accurate in delivering a full-dome image. Like the Newtonian telescope, the Newtonian projection device uses two first-surface mirrors: a curved mirror and a flat mirror. In the Newtonian™2 projection system, the curved mirror is convex and displays the image from a projector over a dome. (The primary mirror of a Newtonian telescope in concave and designed to gather light and focus it onto an eyepiece). In both the Newtonian™2 projector  system and the Newtonian telescope, the flat mirror transfers the image to the mirror in the projector and to the eyepiece in the telescope. The Newtonian™2 projection system uses the Go-Vex™ first-surface convex mirror. It’s most critical design criterion is protection of the primary mirror during transport and while in projection mode.

The Newtonian™2 mirror projection system serves the function of a fisheye lens at a fraction of the cost for the resolution on the dome (similar to the advantages of the reflecting telescope over the refractor). Also the Newtonian™2 has a small footprint — 60 cm wide and 30-45 cm deep (2 feet by 12-18 inches) — and is placed along the back wall of the dome, leaving the center of the dome free for visitors. It produces hemispheric coverage with a small area of shading and distortion at the back, directly above the mirror.

Newtonian™2 Projection system in the back of a 6 meter dome

The Newtonian™2 is designed to use an HD projector with a resolution of 1920 by 1080 or 1200 although higher resolution projectors for portable systems may become available in the future. Most of the current brands will fit in the Newtonian™2 system, but retail distributors will have complete and current lists of projectors. Brighter projectors usually have superior performance – especially in larger domes. Unlike the fisheye, which must be installed in a specific projector, the Newtonian™2 takes a range of standard HD projectors found in home theaters and conference rooms. In the HD projection over 84% of the projector’s pixels reach the dome with over 95% of the dome covered. When a projector needs repair, a second projector can replace it immediately. The Newtonian™2 rarely needs repair, but customers may change out the primary Go-Vex™ convex mirror after several years of use.

The Newtonian™2 is very portable and normally travels on top of a rolling case containing the projector, laptop and sound system – for easy transport to a school or community setting. An operator with practice can set up a Go-Dome™ and Newtonian™2 system in less than 30 minutes, with similar amount of time required for takedown. The dome, fan, and projection system can all fit on one hand-truck.