Helios Planetarium

A complete system for studying the planets and stars. The Helios Planetarium can be set up in three main ways:

1. Helios Orrery The planets from Mercury to Saturn orbit the Sun at their correct relative speeds and the Moon orbits the Earth in synchrony. Subjects to study: The Planets in their Orbits (length of a year, inferior and superior planets and more) The Moon and its Phases Eclipse Basics The Time - solar, sidereal and G.M.T. The orrery can have all its planets displayed or just one or two. The planets can be positioned for any year or month up to 2020. The speed and direction of rotation can be changed!

2. Helios Orrery and Star Dome Show how the stars and constellations have fixed locations in space whilst the planets orbit the Sun. Additional subjects to study with the star dome: The Ecliptic and the Zodiacal constellations How the planets appear to move against the night sky Use of the Helios outside at night - where should the stars appear in the sky? The domes show the stars around the ecliptic plus those over either the Northern or Southern hemispheres. Looking through the dome you see the stars visible at night!

3. Earth-centred model and accessories A large Earth globe rotates on an inclined axis in the centre of the model and a Moon orbits it every 29.5 'days'. Additional subjects to study with the Earth-centred model: Day and Night Shadows and the Seasons The Moon's month, phases and eclipses The Pole Star and a Nocturnal The Moon and Stars as seen from different positions on the Earth, circumpolar stars The tides Space travel Show how the movements of the Earth and Moon create the daily and monthly pattern of tides.!

To deliver the levels of understanding, accuracy is at the core of the Helios with planets revolving at their correct relative speeds and the star dome showing all major stars and constellations. Dimensions: Base diameter : 36 cm (14 inches) Height with Dome : 32-38 cm (12-15 inches) Power supply: 6V supply via mains power adapter - supplied or battery operated - 4 x U2 cells required (not supplied) If requested in the order comments box we will supply the transformer with the 'Euro' 2-pin plug or US 2-pin plug. Otherwise it will have a UK 3-pin plug. You can purchase the Helios as just the orrery and star dome or complete with the Earth-centred model and accessories. In either case you receive a full instruction booklet.