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Unleash your stories – Yourong Wang

The night sky was a great source of inspiration for third year physics student Yourong Wang. Using equipment and materials from the Maker Space, he has created a night sky projector, which he calls the “Starbox 101”.

Yourong’s story

Yourong was inspired by the Zeiss star projector in the planetarium at Griffiths Observatory when he was on exchange at UC Berkeley recently. Using his  knowledge of astronomy, he aimed to replicate the Griffiths planetarium as a model for personal use, which would provide an accurate projection of the night sky.

Although Yourong had a vision of how the dome should work, he had no idea where to start in terms of making it. Using the Maker Space facilities and with the help of our creative technologists, he was able to transcribe his vision to paper and then to a working model.

First he attended a Fusion 360 Workshop to learn how to use CAD software, which helped him convert his astronomical data to CAD sketches for his construction plans. He used the 3D printer to print out the dome, and soldered electronics using the soldering machine. He also fitted in a few LED lights and implemented a USB-micro B power source. “Many of the skills I have now developed are thanks to the patience and guidance of all the creative technologists that I have worked with”,Yourong says.

Now that he knows how to build domes easily at Unleash Space, Yourong has expanded his original concept. One idea is to build a solar system model incorporating clusters, nebulae, galaxies and planets, and showcasing different colours for stars of different temperatures and ages. Even if he does not yet know how to implement some of his ideas, testing and trying out new things is sure to help him reach for the stars!