The James Webb Space Telescope: Immersive engagement for all in Planetarium domes

The British Association of Planetaria is a network of planetarium professionals who play a significant, high-impact role in the education, public engagement and communication of space sciences within the UK. Between the fixed planetarium facilities at science centres and observatories and the smaller, mobile, travelling domes, there are very few areas of the UK that are not reached by our members. Large planetaria are mainly based in cities and have a spreading catchment, the mobile domes reach out into rural schools and travel to under-served communities. The total reach of UK Planetarium domes is over 1.5 million children and adults every year. 750,000 of these visitors have a presenter-led planetarium experience. This project aims to inspire and involve these planetarium audiences with the fantastic stories, science, engineering and people behind the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). It will produce exceptional and unique graphical content that can be projected across the 180 degree surface of the dome to create a fully immersive and captivating experience of the JWST inside the planetarium dome. We aim to raise awareness, excitement and pride for the UK involvement in the JWST mission, share the breath-taking science, technology and engineering and celebrate the diverse team that makes this mission unique. Over 150,000 children and adults will experience planetarium shows that include this content, which will be used far beyond the project period to support ongoing public engagement with the JWST mission. In addition, a key objective of this project is to ensure that this UK science is shared with all: all ages, genders, abilities, beliefs and backgrounds. Care and consideration will be taken to ensure that the design, development and delivery of the planetarium content has diversity and social inclusion embedded, in order to support all audiences. We hope that all will be inspired, engaged and be able to identify with the stories, science and people celebrated in this project. To support this aim, mobile planetarium visits will be available for a limited time at a subsidised cost for schools in areas high on the Index of Multiple Deprivation (or UK national equivalent). Through bespoke, eye-catching graphics and resources with diversity designed in, through to a national event for planetarium professionals which showcases STFC scientists and highlights inclusive methods of communication and professionalisation of the UK planetarium network, this project will be a step-change in the way in which the British Association of Planetaria lead their members in reaching new audiences and disseminating STFC science and technology.