FAQ

1.Do you do general public outreach events?
We have visited several outreach events in the past (e.g. BBC stargazing, UoN Wonder) and are always interested in visiting more events in the Nottingham area if our time permits it. Please contact us to discuss this.
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2.How much does it cost?
Nothing. Nothing at all. The service is for free for schools within the Nottingham area. All we need is space, power plugs and a teacher with a bunch of motivated students.
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3.How many people fit into the dome?
We can accommodate groups of up to 20 pupils accompanied by a teacher.
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4.Is The Inflativerse wheelchair accessible?
Yes, that's not a problem. The wheelchair will take up more space inside, so the total number of people that can visit one individual show will be more limited. We need to know in advance about wheelchairs, so please tell us about it.
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5.How many shows can you do on a normal school day?
We normally visit schools on Wednesday afternoons, and can do up to four shows (depending on your timetable). This means we can accomodate up to 80 pupils per visit.
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6.What's the procedure in an emergency?
In an emergency it is possible to exit The Inflativerse quickly by lifting up the side of the dome. The pressure of the air inside will cause the dome material to lift up and over the audience, allowing the teacher to lead the class out. If you want to look at our risk assessment form, it is provided here.
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7.Does a teacher have to be present at all times?
Yes, a teacher has to be present at all times. Our volunteers are not DBS checked, so cannot be left alone with pupils. At least one teacher must be present inside the dome for all shows and for the classroom activity.
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8.How much room is there inside the dome? Can I stand up in it?
The dome is around 5 meters across and 3.2 meters high. You will be able to stand upright in most places, however, it is recommended that people sit down so they don't block the projection. The entrance to the planetarium is through a tunnel, so it is normally necessary to crawl or stoop to get through this (though disabled access can be arranged, see above).
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9.Will there be seating within The Inflativerse?
We can put chairs inside the dome if needed, but we prefer to have people sit on the floor so they don't block the projection. In the case of chairs being used, they will have to be provided by the school.
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10.What facilities are required?
All requirements can be found at the requirements page.
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11.For what ages are the shows appropriate?
Our shows are primarily aimed at pupils in years 3-6, though we may be able to tailor shows to fit with lessons for children aged 5-16 with prior consultation.
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12.How long does it take to put up and take down the planetarium?
Setting up the Inflativerse should take about 45 minutes in total as we would want to have some buffer to prepare properly for the first show. Taking it down takes 30 minutes but we will need the full space for that time.
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13.Can we inflate the planetarium in the school playground?
No, the dome is neither waterproof nor suited for direct sunlight. Also, the material is rather sensitive and as we want to use The Inflativerse for many years to come, we need to set it up inside a building.
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14.Who will present the shows?
We will send 4-5 people to each school with the Inflativerse, including one team leader who will liaise with one of the managers (who has been in contact with your school in advance). The other team members will be students or astronomy staff from the University of Nottingham.
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15.Once inflated, is it silent (i.e. does it need generator on to keep it inflated)?
Unfortunately, the fan has to be switched on at all times to prevent the Inflativerse deflating. You should not plan any activities next to it as we require silence to deliver the shows.
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16.Do you do weddings, birthdays and other family events?
No - the Inflativerse is for outreach and public events only, so we are unavailable for private hire.
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