Stars Off Stage


Creating the Star Field was the easiest AND the least expensive aspect of the Space Place project, and yet they continue to receive the most "ohhhs and ahhhs"!

	Let's turn on the work lights! Going OFF STAGE in the star field hides NO secrets The stars are created by threading individual strands of .265mm fiber optic filament through 1 inch black foam. The foam is supported with black coat hangers, black duct tape and pushpins. Over the foam is a clear Plexiglas "window" that completes the front of the illusion. The reflective ness of the Plexiglas adds depth to the stars. You would never know they are just an inch from the Plexiglas.

	The Other Side of the Universe Less than 4 inches behind the star field, in another room, is the access door. It is behind this door where you will see how easily the star field and control panel illumination is accomplished.

	"Gotta Light?" The Stars and the main control panels, share the same light source. In this photo you will see the six fiber optic cables that feed the two star fields. The cables are secured in a manifold that sits against the control panel light source. This is the exact 64 strand fiber optic cable we feature at The Fiber Optic Store.com.

	Not Exactly Rocket Science! You'll note the the manifold we constructed, to hold the fiber optic cables in place, is not cut straight, nor are the holes in perfect alignment. This is totally acceptable when you're OFF STAGE!

	Rock & Roll Universe. Did we mention that The Space Place has a complete sound system built into it? Actually this was never in the original plan, but we would always listen to tunes while we worked on the room. This stereo was safely stored under the main deck. After the room was done, I decided to leave the stereo under the deck and wire some speakers into the OFF-stage ceiling joists. From there, we developed a series of sound effect loop tapes, that we've incorporated into The Space Place experience.

Back to The Space Place Index