Home planetarium: four devices in comparison

Home planetariums make it possible to observe the starry sky in the comfort of your own home. Users can use the technical gadget regardless of the weather and location. It is also possible to observe any part of the sky and to simulate falling stars. A home planetarium is primarily aimed at adults, but is also wonderfully suitable for families who want to discover the starry sky together. Here you will find a comparison of four home planetariums and tips on how to use them.

Is a home planetarium a starry sky projector?

Parents are probably familiar with similar devices, such as a starry sky projector from a child’s room. The difference to the home planetarium is easy to explain, because starry sky projectors are primarily intended as sleep aids or for entertainment for children. The devices can be used to throw colorful pictures, mostly stars, on the ceiling and play music. In contrast, a home planetarium is intended for adults who want to discover the starry sky from the comfort of their own home.

Home planetariums in comparison

Home planetariums are available from different manufacturers, here you will find a comparison of four devices.

Homestar Original

The from Sega Toys with a white light LED with three watts of light output should be able to display 60,000 stars. A rotational movement ensures that the starry sky is shown true to the course of the year. It includes two interchangeable projection screens that depict the night sky with its fixed stars in the northern hemisphere. The highlight should be the integrated shooting star function, so that you can also express a wish in the direction of the stars in your own four walls. The projection angle and focus are adjustable so that you can easily make individual adjustments.

Overview of facts

Homestar Flux

The home planetarium is the newest model from Sega Toys and significantly more expensive than the Homestar Original. Compared to the Homestar Original, Flux is said to be more powerful and more advanced. New projection lenses made of glass and even brighter LEDs should be responsible for this. The 5 watt LED provides more brightness and thus better visibility of the stars. The result should be an even livelier and more realistic starry sky.

Overview of facts

Astro Planetarium

The third device comes from National Geographic and is called . As with the other two devices from Segatoys, it is a home planetarium that can cast the starry sky onto the ceiling true to the original. The planetarium should be able to throw the starry sky of the current time onto the ceiling and, with the help of a built-in motor, also enable the representation of falling stars. The integrated radio offers background music, as does the connection option for a smartphone.

Overview of facts

Colorful starry sky

This is significantly cheaper and a bit more playful . Unlike the classic home planetarium, the device does not throw a starry sky true to the original onto the ceiling. The attraction is much more in the colorful light show, which can even be accompanied by music thanks to the built-in Bluetooth loudspeaker.

Overview of facts

What and for whom is a home planetarium suitable?

Whether the skies are overcast or you live in the city and find star gazing difficult, a home planetarium gives you the option to explore the starry sky whenever you feel like it. The gadget works easily and conveniently at the push of a button and usually offers various options for observing different constellations and falling stars. Most home planetariums also have a function that allows you to display the constellation of stars on a specific date. A home planetarium is not cheap to buy, but it is worthwhile for every hobby astronomer or for those who are looking for a change and a nice occupation at home. The devices are particularly popular in winter, because it gets dark early and then the starry sky inside shines all the brighter.

Home planetarium: tips for use

It is best to have complete darkness where you use the home planetarium. The darker it is, the brighter the starry sky appears on your ceiling. Also make sure that you place the device on an even surface, so you can ensure an optimal picture.