Thousands of well-known stars will be seen in Sussex when the South Downs Planetarium in Chichester is completed.
Siting of the cradle for the star projector last week signalled the start of the technology which will bring the night sky to the county.
Planetarium trustee and technical director for the project Dr John Mason is taking the lead in bringing together the planetarium's computers, video and slide projector, sound system and cameras.
He said: "The star projector will display a very realistic night sky, showing the stars and planets without interference from street lighting or clouds.
"The projection system will be linked to the internet and satellites by high-speed communication links so the audience will be able to see views from the latest space missions, the Hubble space telescope and observatories around the world."
Sir Patrick Moore, the Planetarium's patron, has played an enthusiastic role in creating the mini-universe and will add his expertise to its ongoing projects.
Dr Mason said: "One of our shows will be An Evening On The Moon With Sir Patrick Moore. He will speak to us through a camera link-up from his observatory in Selsey and we will be able to display what he is looking at through his telescope live in the auditorium."
Before these ambitious plans can take shape, the star projector must be configured to display all its 4,400 stars in perfect alignment and the planets must be set to move across the planetarium dome in an exact replication of their paths across the sky.
The projector, a Viewlex Minolta Roman IIb model made in 1977, has been bought second-hand from the Armagh Planetarium in Northern Ireland.
The circular auditorium is 10.7 metres in diameter, rising 7.6 metres high to the top of the hemispherical theatre. Reconditioned Club-class Boeing 747 aircraft seats allow 100 people to recline back to view the stars. There is also space for wheelchair users.
The South Downs Planetarium Trust has already raised more than £330,000. A further £45,000 is needed to pay for the installation and commissioning of the star projector.
The trust has set up several sponsorships to raise funds - people can "adopt"
a star, contribute to a brick fund or be added to a roll of honour for making a cash donation.
More information at the trust web site or from trustee John Green on 01243 829868.
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