Are there any realistic consumer-end planetarium projectors these days?

[vger]

I had one when I was a kid, and literally all it did was project the stars on the room. I look at what's available now and most of what I can find is actually an inverse of what it should be. Like it projects light everywhere EXCEPT where the stars are. And often it also has traced constellations and even displays the names of them. I haven't been able to find anything that produces the more realistic display that one would expect from visiting a full-scale planetarium. Anybody know of one?

[ZedNova]

I use a colander and a flashlight

No sorry i know nothing about projectors

[megatiger78]

I use a colander and a flashlight

it would work though...

[lajoswinkler]

I use a colander and a flashlight

http://lghttp.21049.nexcesscdn.net/809F1B/mage/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/287x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/r/s/rsvp-endurance-precision-pierced-colander-popup.jpg

No sorry i know nothing about projectors

Yes, just imagine you're near the center of the galaxy.

[TMS]

I looked into this a few years ago. Basically, the consumer market is limited - aside from some hobbyists who make them to their own specification. Homestar Extra is probably your best bet, but don't expect that 360 wonder that comes from a commercial/educational projector.

[lajoswinkler]

vger, do you really need proper constellations or it can be starry sky?

[vger]

vger, do you really need proper constellations or it can be starry sky?

Preferred, but not necessary. As long as it produces appropriate dots, not 5-pointed stars.

[lajoswinkler]

Then I suggest buying a high intensity phosphorescent paint and a fine point brush. An UV light would greatly help, too.