National Geographic 9105000 Astro Planetarium Multimedia, Black

Product Information

The Sega Toys Homestar Flux certainly has a more premium and 'adult' look to it, and although it is more costly, you would miss out on the time and date selector, the inbuilt speaker and the radio (if you can get that tuned in).

Bresser Junior Astro Planetarium Deluxe star projector review

The Sega Toys Homestar Flux is the best star projector you can buy right now. We’ve tested and reviewed a range of star projectors and concluded that, because it's a premium model, the Homestar Flux projects an incredibly accurate night sky, with the possibility of buying up to 30 extra disks to project the Milky Way, shooting stars, and the aurora. Are star projectors realistic? There are 30 additional discs available when you visit Astrial, Sega Toys' official online store. Simulations of the aurora borealis and the aurora australis are perhaps the highlights. There is a disc that displays the planets of the solar system as well, but it is the ones that show galaxies, nebulas and other NASA-based imagery that really stand out. For example, the North America nebula as taken by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and the weird seven-star system called Jabbah (officially called Nu Scorpii and IC 4592) as imaged by NASA's WISE mission. You can also buy disks that simulate fireworks, 'night jellyfish' and a hot-air balloon festival. Before pulling the trigger on a star projector, ask yourself: Are you looking for a scientifically accurate display of the sky, or are you just looking for a nightlight? Star projectors that accurately show off clusters are more expensive than small projectors that may project a single image.

This Bresser planetarium star projector, designed for kids, has true to life projections, a five year warranty and is simple to operate.

The Bresser junior AstroPlanetarium deluxe can display 8,000 celestial bodies with each disk. This is the same as the National Geographic Astro Planetarium and much less than my test winner. The device can be powered by three AA batteries (supplied), or by 5V DC power cable (not supplied). (Image credit: Tantse Walter)

National Geographic Astro Planetarium Review NEW: National Geographic Astro Planetarium Review

Rotating the image and adjusting the focus wheel in the dark is simple thanks to the blue-illuminated buttons. The result is a bright and sharp projection on the ceiling (the optics are from the German optics brand Bresser, which makes binoculars, telescopes, and microscopes). However, stars at the edge of the projection can seem blurry. One novel feature is an optional 'falling star' mode, which projects a flashing meteor every 40 seconds, though always in the same place.This is a great quality star projector for any space fan. We were dubious how good this star projector would be, as historically, novelty-shaped star projectors are pretty disappointing. We're pleased to say that during our Astronaut Starry Sky Projector review, this 'cute' projector meets space-themed ornament surpassed our expectations. You will need to set up your phone's Bluetooth before you begin, but this is a seamless experience, with the device being up and running within moments.

Best star projectors 2023: Night lights and home planetarium Best star projectors 2023: Night lights and home planetarium

The Pococo Galaxy Projector is ultimately the same technology as the Orzorz Galaxy Lite mentioned above, but in a different body. Scroll up to the top of the list to read all of the functionality, it's all the same and even uses the same shape disks; it's just the shape and color of this model that makes it different. Then there are scientific home planetariums that generally project 'real imagery,' so you can study and enjoy projections of real galaxies and nebulas from the comfort of your own home without investing in expensive astronomy equipment. These are much more likened to the more traditional planetariums that teach astronomy and related sciences. Not all star projectors are scientifically accurate — some are designed to be pleasant ambient lights to be used as kids' night lights or just to create a relaxing atmosphere. However, some models are scientifically accurate and create a planetarium in the comfort of your own home — these include the the Sega Toys Homestar Flux, National Geographic Astro Planetarium and Bresser Junior Astro-Planetarium Deluxe. What is the difference between a star projector and a planetarium? You can push the rotate button to make the projected image slowly rotate, there is only one speed, but that's fine; there is no need for it to go any faster or slower — it isn't a party projector.Aside from aesthetics, the Pococo is ultimately the same as the Orzors Star Projector — offering crisp imagery in a rechargeable device. Choose which one you like the look of!