Edmonton·FROM THE ARCHIVES:

June 21, 1984: Laser light show makes its debut in Edmonton

The Edmonton Space and Science Centre was a high-tech marvel when it first opened in July 1984.

CBC’s Anna Maria Tremonti gives us behind the scenes look at the centre before it opens

Laser light shows: so high-tech in 1984

9 years ago
Duration 1:31
Before the Edmonton Space and Sciences Centre could open its doors in 1984, a team of German scientists were called in to do final prep work on the Margaret Zeidler's high-tech projector.

The Edmonton Space and Science Centre was a high-tech marvel when it first opened in July 1984.

And at the centre of it all: the Zeiss-Jena Star Projector set up in the building's Margaret Zeidler planetarium.

The projector's inner workings were so complex, a team was actually sent from Germany to program it in time for opening day.

For years to come, the projector was the technical force behind the centre's laser light shows, fondly remembered by many.

These days, the projector is used primarily as a teaching tool.