Starting April 4, every weekend, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre will launch an all-new augmented reality (AR) experience for visitors aged 7 and up, included with general admission. This one-of-a-kind program is created in partnership with Immersi Learn, a Vancouver-based company specializing in immersive educational experiences.
Step Inside the Solar System
This isn’t a video or a screen. Participants wear lightweight AR headsets that overlay 3D models of planets, moons, and celestial phenomena directly into the room. Guided by a live presenter, you’ll explore four themed modules:
- Rocky Worlds: Get up close with Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, examining their surfaces and atmospheres in vivid detail.
- Tides: See the gravitational dance between Earth, Moon, and Sun unfold in real time.
- Gas and Ice Giants: Experience Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune at breathtaking scale, including rings, storms, and orbital dynamics.
- Seasons: Understand how Earth’s tilt and orbit shape climate, daylight, and seasonal cycles.
The headsets are wireless, lightweight, and comfortable, with secure straps, hot-swappable batteries for continuous sessions, and hygiene pads sanitized after every use. Large-scale models appear in the room for the whole group to view and interact with simultaneously, making the experience social, collaborative, and fully synchronized.
Each session lasts approximately 15 minutes of guided AR exploration, followed by hands-on activities in the Cosmic Courtyard and a live Q&A option, ideal for groups of up to 14 participants. It’s designed to spark curiosity, engage all ages, and create memorable moments that last long after the headset comes off.
About Immersi Learn
Immersi Learn, founded by Mehdi Nowroozi, turns complex scientific concepts into tangible, interactive learning experiences. From research and 3D modeling to on-site facilitation and technical support, they handle every step of creating immersive AR programs. Their partnership with the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre brings this cutting-edge technology to students, families, and curious minds across British Columbia, combining education, entertainment, and exploration into a single unforgettable adventure.