Small Zeiss planetarium projector, model number 30
Lessons from the stars
This object tells the story of two very different uses of astronomy. It was originally used to train Luftwaffe navigators and pilots in celestial navigation. Such knowledge enabled them to fly bomber aircraft towards Britain, with devastating consequences. After the war, the projector served a more enjoyable purpose as it was used in the Science Museum’s Star Dome in the 1960s.
Date: 1930–45
Places
- Travemnde, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany — used
- Jena, Gera, Thuringia — made, made
- South Kensington, Kensington and Chelsea, London — used