Immersive data visualization simulations are a powerful tool for understanding topics that are exciting, yet often complex, and are impossible to experience in the real world.

Real-time space ‘travel’ and the real-life experience of planets beyond Earth are made possible as we obtain actual probe and satellite data from space and earth science agencies.

When combining scientifically accurate data visualization with a visually-realistic, immersive experience, we can take audiences on a journey into the skies above, and onto the planets in our solar system.

Traditionally, dome theaters were used for planetarium purposes, as audiences look up at a screen in a way that simulates the night sky. Today, they are still used for this, but we are also able to visit, simulate and visualize planets themselves in a localized context.

Dome theaters use specifically-developed audio-visual tools and software to present information across a large field of view screen surface – a screen that is part of an environment designed to share space exploration success stories and scientific research.

There are many factors that must be considered when planning a unique immersive space, as we discuss in another blog. Custom immersive environments, as seen at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs’ National Center of Meteorology Experience Center, demonstrate how these spaces can be used to educate, in an informal setting, the public on ground-breaking research missions.

In this blog, we discuss how data visualization software and the very highest performance display technologies can bring to life, and share with audiences, the surface and atmospheric traits of Mars in the same week that the Hope Mars Mission, also known as the Emirates Mars Mission, makes history.

Using Powerful Immersive Experiences to Explore and Simulate Mars

Behind the scenes of what is being projected onto a dome or an immersive screen, media servers, dedicated 3D astronomical databases and data visualization platforms drive the experience.

Mars, a planet that has long been a focal point of intrigue by all ages, can be virtually explored with data generated by missions that seek to improve our understanding of life on its surface. Now, we can take audiences on a graphically interpreted journey to understand what it is really like on the Red Planet.

Using specially-developed software simulation platforms with imported and converted real data that is rendered to visualize the planet’s atmosphere, surface maps, and Martian topography – we can encourage discussion and interaction that explores questions of the history of ancient riverbeds and canals, Mars’ weather patterns, and of its history. Together with looking at the scientific challenges for future occupation of the red planet for mankind’s future.

Make it Real with the World’s Highest Contrast Projection Technology for the Darkest Black Levels and the Most Vivid Colors

Essential to image quality on the dome screen is that of the contrast between black levels, light points and color brilliance. In a dome environment when the ‘bouncing’ of light is a common negative effect of internal dome projection, the balance of digitally recreating the true ‘velvet’ black of the night sky, in contrast to the colors of celestial objects and planetary surfaces, is key.

The VELVET LED projector developed and made by ZEISS is the only projector created exclusively for astronomical presentation in planetariums and immersive dome theaters. Combining cutting-edge sharpness with unequalled contrast and strong colors, this projector delivers the most exquisite video projection possible in a planetarium or immersive theater environment. Visuals Attraction is the exclusive partner of ZEISS for the Middle East region.

Recognized as the best immersive theater projection technology in the world, ZEISS’ Velvet LED projector provides an absolute true black background to any other detail on the dome screen such as constellation figures, grids, planets, moons, nebulae and galaxies. The VELVET LED projector offers a projection quality for astronomical and related contents that no other display technology can deliver.

Whether virtually travelling through our solar system, exploring the vast universe, or visualizing the surface of Mars using data generated by the Emirates Mars Mission, every detail can be experienced.

Discover more about our solutions for Data Visualization