Using the capabilities of a digital computer planetarium in practical training of students in the field of astronomy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33910/3034-4255-2026-3-1-5-16Keywords:
practical training of students, immersive technologies, visualization of learning, digital planetarium, virtual tourAbstract
This article examines the use of immersive technologies — specifically, a digital planetarium — in the practical training of students at the Institute of Physics, Herzen University. The authors describe a virtual tour of the Svetloe Radio Astronomy Observatory, part of the Institute of Applied Astronomy of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The observatory’s instruments provide highly accurate coordinate and time data for both fundamental and problem-oriented research. The article proposes using these technologies for interactive lectures, practical sessions, and laboratory classes, and for enhancing practice-based learning by engaging students in the creation of virtual content.
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REFERENCES
Denver Museum of Nature & Science (2019) Project ALIVE — Astronomy Learning in Immersive Virtual Environments. [Online]. Available at: https://www.dmns.org/science/research/alive/ (accessed 21.08.2026). (In English)
Developing Local Fulldome Content in Education. (2022) IPS Resource Center. [Online]. Available at: https://www.ips-planetarium.org/page/ConductingResearch (accessed 21.08.2026). (In English)
Digital immersive media in education: Collaborative practices and policy recommendations. (2023) UNESCO. [Online]. Available at: https://www.unesco.org/gem-report/en/publication/technology (accessed 21.08.2026). (In English)
Educational programs and partnerships with universities. (2025) Moscow Planetarium. [Online]. Available at: https://planetarium-moscow.ru/partners (accessed 08.12.2025). (In Russian)
Educational Programmes and Teacher Training. (2022) ESO Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Centre. [Online]. Available at: https://supernova.eso.org (accessed 08.12.2025). (In English)
Elizarova, L. V., Trubitsina, O. I., Semenova, E. Yu. et al. (2024) Characteristic features of designing the system of students’ practical training in the context of education transformation. Science for Education Today, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 7–24. http://dx.doi.org/10.15293/2658-6762.2401.01 (In Russian)
Everding, D. J., Keller, J. M. (2020) Survey of the academic use of planetariums for undergraduate instruction Physical Review Physics Education Research, vol. 16, no. 2, article 020138. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevPhysEducRes.16.020128 (In English)
Federal Law of December 29, 2012 No. 273-FZ “On Education in the Russian Federation”. (2012) [Online]. Available at: http://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_140174/ (accessed 08.12.2025). (In Russian)
Immersive Design and Student Projects in Planetarium Environments. (2021) University of Utah. [Online]. Available at: https://immersive.utah.edu/planetarium-projects (accessed 08.12.2025). (In English)
Jian, Y., Abu Bakar, J. A. (2024) Comparing cognitive load in learning spatial ability: immersive learning environment vs. digital learning media. Discov Sustain, vol. 5, article 111. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-024-00310-6 (In English)
KemSU Planetarium. (2025) Kemerovo State University. [Online]. Available at: https://kemsu.ru/about/structure/planetarium/ (accessed 08.12.2025). (In Russian)
Liu, C., Meng, S., Zheng, W., Zhou, Z. (2025) Research on the impact of immersive virtual reality classroom on student experience and concentration. Virtual Reality, vol. 29. p. 82. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-025-01153-w (In English)
Neset, T.-S. S., Wibeck, V., Uhrqvist, O., Johansson, J. (2010) Visualizing climate change: The potential of dome presentations as a tool for climate communication. Eurographics. [Online]. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/255908402 (accessed 08.12.2025). (In English)
Planetariums and STEM Education: Global Review. (2023) IPS. [Online]. Available at: https://www.ips-planetarium.org/page/planetariumeducationvalue (accessed 21.08.2026). (In English)
Reid, M., Williams, M., Percy, J. et al. (2014) The Role of New Planetariums in Promoting Engagement and Learning. Toronto: Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario Publ. [Online]. Available at: https://heqco.ca/pub/the-role-of-planetariums-in-promoting-engagement-and-learning/ (accessed 08.12.2025). (In English)
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“Svetloe” Radio Astronomical Observatory. (2025) Institute of Applied Astronomy of the Russian Academy of Sciences. [Online]. Available at: https://iaaras.ru/dept/svetloe/ (accessed 08.12.2025). (In Russian)
The Value of the Planetarium in Education. (2023) IPS. [Online]. Available at: https://www.ips-planetarium.org/page/planetariumeducationvalue (accessed 08.12.2025).
Upgrade your Planetarium Technology to Enhance Educational and Scientific Exploration in your community. (2025) Emerald Planetariums. [Online]. Available at: https://emerald-planetariums.com/content/articles/upgrade-your-planetarium-technology-to-enhance-educational-and-scientific-exploration-in-your-community.html (accessed 08.12.2025). (In English)
Yu, K. C. (2015) Using a digital planetarium for teaching seasons to undergraduates Journal of Astronomy & Earth Sciences Education, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 99–110. (In English)
Yu, K. C. (2018) Storytelling in full-dome education: Designing for immersive learning. Journal of Astronomy & Earth Sciences Education, vol. 5, no. 1. pp. 1–12. (In English)
Yu, N., Shi, W., Dong, W., Kang, R. (2025) The impact of virtual reality immersion on learning outcomes: A comparative study of declarative and procedural knowledge acquisition. Behavioral Sciences, vol. 15, no. 10, article 1322. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101322 (In English)
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Copyright (c) 2026 Vladimir P. Pronin, Iosif I. Khinich, Elena Yu. Semenova, Dmitry S. Rodionov, Georgii A. Mazhuga
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