The first major planetarium was at DeAnza College in California. By the late 1960's, Minolta had decided to officially enter the planetarium business, and they now produce a line of projectors of all sizes. The latter firm also manufactures their own lines of small, automated planetariums. Later Since World War II and particularly since the flight of Sputnik I, the number of planetaria has grown tremendously. With this growth the projection systems have become more sophisticated in operation and accurate in their portrayal of the heavens.
Many projectors now have provision for automation of the entire program.
Many school systems and colleges now use a planetarium in their astronomy courses. Modern planetaria have been used for the performance of science fiction plays, musical events, and multi-media shows with light, sound, and live performers. The planetarium is school, theater, and cinema in onea classroom under the eternal dome of the sky. And it is still true today. Copyright 1973 International Planetarium Society.