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National Geographic uses augmented reality to create world's first open-air planetarium in Canada
POSTED 22 Jun 2018 . BY Tom Anstey
Using the Aryzon headset visitors can observe a selection of 17th century illustrations of the constellations overlaid over the real stars and planets Credit: National Geographic
National Geographic has teamed up with augmented reality provider Aryzon to create the world's first open-air planetarium, using AR to project images into the night sky for a unique stargazing experience.

Taking place at the Au Diable Vert Station Montagne in Quebec, Canada, "ObservEtoiles" debuts tomorrow (23 June) and will allow up to 180 visitors the chance to observe the night sky with a digital overlay showing the constellations and names of the stars and planets.

For the two-hour experience, guests will be seated 1,000ft (304m) above sea level in a mountain-side amphitheatre created especially for ObservEtoile. Equipped with heated seats, the space has been created by Arena Comfort Products and will be useable at any exterior temperature or in any weather conditions.

Using the Aryzon headset, which was developed in the Netherlands and uses mirrors to project 3D mixed reality images, visitors can observe a selection of 17th-century illustrations of the constellations overlaid over the real stars and planets, without obstructing viewers’ line of site. British company Escapist Games has developed the application, which runs on an Asus Zenfone 3 Zoom. Minus the smartphone, the headset can be kept by users after the show, where they can then use the app to explore the stars from home.

The outdoor show will feature a "star guide", who will narrate the experience with specially-created content from the "Night Sky Guy", Andrew Fazekas – a science writer, broadcaster, and lecturer who regularly contributes to National Geographic and Canada’s Weather Network TV channel, and acts as a consultant for the Canadian Space Agency.

Au Diable Vert has recently been certified as Quebec's second Dark Sky Reserve, acknowledging efforts to remove light pollution from the area at night. It becomes only the 14th such sight in the world, as designated by the International Dark Sky Association.

Guests will be seated 1,000ft (304m) above sea level in a mountain-side amphitheatre created specially for ObservEtoile Credit: ObservEtoiles
Equipped with heated seats, the space has been created by Arena Comfort Products and will be useable at any exterior temperature or in any weather conditions Credit: ObservEtoiles
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NEWS
National Geographic uses augmented reality to create world's first open-air planetarium in Canada
POSTED 22 Jun 2018 . BY Tom Anstey
Using the Aryzon headset visitors can observe a selection of 17th century illustrations of the constellations overlaid over the real stars and planets Credit: National Geographic
National Geographic has teamed up with augmented reality provider Aryzon to create the world's first open-air planetarium, using AR to project images into the night sky for a unique stargazing experience.

Taking place at the Au Diable Vert Station Montagne in Quebec, Canada, "ObservEtoiles" debuts tomorrow (23 June) and will allow up to 180 visitors the chance to observe the night sky with a digital overlay showing the constellations and names of the stars and planets.

For the two-hour experience, guests will be seated 1,000ft (304m) above sea level in a mountain-side amphitheatre created especially for ObservEtoile. Equipped with heated seats, the space has been created by Arena Comfort Products and will be useable at any exterior temperature or in any weather conditions.

Using the Aryzon headset, which was developed in the Netherlands and uses mirrors to project 3D mixed reality images, visitors can observe a selection of 17th-century illustrations of the constellations overlaid over the real stars and planets, without obstructing viewers’ line of site. British company Escapist Games has developed the application, which runs on an Asus Zenfone 3 Zoom. Minus the smartphone, the headset can be kept by users after the show, where they can then use the app to explore the stars from home.

The outdoor show will feature a "star guide", who will narrate the experience with specially-created content from the "Night Sky Guy", Andrew Fazekas – a science writer, broadcaster, and lecturer who regularly contributes to National Geographic and Canada’s Weather Network TV channel, and acts as a consultant for the Canadian Space Agency.

Au Diable Vert has recently been certified as Quebec's second Dark Sky Reserve, acknowledging efforts to remove light pollution from the area at night. It becomes only the 14th such sight in the world, as designated by the International Dark Sky Association.

Guests will be seated 1,000ft (304m) above sea level in a mountain-side amphitheatre created specially for ObservEtoile Credit: ObservEtoiles
Equipped with heated seats, the space has been created by Arena Comfort Products and will be useable at any exterior temperature or in any weather conditions Credit: ObservEtoiles
RELATED STORIES
National Geographic's Ocean Odyssey expanding into Saudi Arabia


National Geographic is expanding the visitor attraction side of its business into the Middle East, announcing plans to develop up to 10 new locations across Saudi Arabia.
Immersive National Geographic experience coming to Times Square


National Geographic is bringing its first ever branded immersive entertainment centre to New York’s Times Square after signing a 15-year deal with real estate developer Kushner Properties.
MORE NEWS
Butterfly sanctuary to host hot yoga during retreat at Jersey Zoo for Hotel de France
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while remaining actively involved with the company.
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
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COMPANY PROFILES
Holovis

Holovis is a privately owned company established in 2004 by CEO Stuart Hetherington. [more...]
QubicaAMF UK

QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwi [more...]
IDEATTACK

IDEATTACK is a full-service planning and design company with headquarters in Los Angeles. [more...]
instantprint

We’re a Yorkshire-based online printer, founded in 2009 by Adam Carnell and James Kinsella. [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

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