Five star Edinburgh attraction, Dynamic Earth, is preparing to reach for the stars, following a substantial sponsorship deal with FORTUNE® 500 science and technology leader, Leidos.
The sponsorship deal, combined with donations from individuals and organisations such as the Robertson Trust, has helped Dynamic Earth move towards its fundraising target to develop a fully interactive planetarium and space experience.
Dynamic Earth currently houses a digital 360° cinema, which offers an amazing visual experience of planet Earth and other environmental topics. By investing in state-of-the-art planetarium software, the existing Showdome will be taken to the next level, harnessing the latest satellite data from NASA and other providers to allow visitors to travel into space and around the Universe, including looking inside the International Space Station (ISS).
John Simpson, Chief Executive at Dynamic Earth, said: “We’re delighted with this new partnership and the contribution it will make towards our Planetarium development, which is a major step towards our goal to launch the project in 2020. Leidos has close links to our subject matter and objectives to work and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds with an interest in the science of our world. They are experts in data and technology, and the team has worked closely with NASA to supply equipment and supplies to the ISS. We are confident that this will be the start of a long lasting relationship with a business working at the cutting edge of science and technology.
“We are hugely grateful for the fantastic support from organisations and individuals who have donated and supported us on this project. We’re now close to the finish line in terms of our fundraising targets, and all going to plan, the project will be launched next summer.”
Alec Harley, Director, Scottish Public Services, Leidos UK said: “At Leidos, we’re committed to using our time and resources to support people, enrich communities, and protect the environment, while maintaining a strong focus on STEM engagement. Supporting Dynamic Earth is a perfect opportunity for us to help inspire and encourage the next generation to pursue study and careers in these key topics.”
Dynamic Earth is a charitable trust and operated on a not-for-profit basis. It aims to show visitors how our Earth works, how life has evolved in its differing environments and on the future challenges it faces.
On top of the space activities, regular Dynamic Earth features include a real iceberg, a bone-shaking earthquake and the Deep Time Machine which takes visitors billions of years back in time.
