Author
Jacqueline
Monkiewicz
Arizona State University
United States
Title (no more than 200 characters): Development of a Portable Inflatable Tactile Planetarium for Accessible Education and Public Outreach in Arizona and New Mexico
Abstract (no more than 2,000 characters): I describe the design and construction of a portable tactile planetarium for accessible public outreach events in the southwestern United States. This tactile planetarium can accommodate 4-6 adults or 4-8 children, and is constructed from a customized bubble tent. The portability is based on the popular inflatable planetarium concept, though the tactile version requires a low ceiling that is within easy reach of adults and larger children. When un-inflated, the planetarium fits in the trunk of a mid-sized sedan, and can be easily transported to any location with a sufficiently large indoor classroom space.