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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
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  National Geographic's Ocean Odyssey expanding into Saudi Arabia


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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
Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed €1 billion offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney confirms US$30 billion investment programme as it highlights its economic impact
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
The London Museum’s new site will open in Smithfield, East London, on 28 November 2026.
Toverland unveils €98m expansion plan as park prepares to launch resort development
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+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
Simworx Ltd

The company was initially established in 1997. Terry Monkton and Andrew Roberts are the key stakeh [more...]
Painting With Light

By combining lighting, video, scenic and architectural elements, sound and special effects we tell s [more...]
IDEATTACK

IDEATTACK is a full-service planning and design company with headquarters in Los Angeles. [more...]
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V.

Vekoma Rides has a large variety of coasters and attractions. [more...]
+ More profiles  
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

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Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

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