When 1998 was declared the South African Year of Science & Technology, I took the opportunity to realise a long-standing dream of mine - to establish Durban's first planetarium.

In reality it would have to be a 'simulated planetarium'
(ie. astronomy software with a PC and data projector) - but a powerful tool for astronomy education nonetheless.

After much personal effort my enthusiastic proposal was successful, and we received a R34 000 data projector from the government, followed soon after by R12 000 worth of high-end computer equipment from the paper company Sappi.

And so in May 1998 Durban's Simulated Planetarium (and only the 3rd 'planetarium' in Africa) became a reality!

Media coverage included a major article in the The Sunday Times, 17 May 1998

Beautiful poster produced for Friends
of the Universe (the astronomy component of the Year of Science & Technology)

Following the success of the Simulated Planetarium, I was asked by the Natural Science Museum Friends Society to establish an Astronomy Interest Group, and we purchased an 8" Celestron telescope.

Simulated Planetarium

Explore Durban's night sky!

Learn how to spot planets, satellites and even the Mir Space Station.
Send your name to Mars and other distant destinations, and
discover how you can help in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

 With the use of multimedia computer equipment, the Internet and
Astronomy-related software, very effective Planetarium-type presentations
are possible in the Natural Science Museum's Auditorium.

 Planetarium shows are aimed at school groups, and are flexible enough to cater for all grades. 

To book please contact Mario Di Maggio
Tel 3006228
MarioD@durban.gov.za
 

From: Case Rijsdijk
Sent: Mon 18/12/2006 07:00
To: Mario Di Maggio
Subject: Re: Greetings

Hi Mario,

As one goes through life one comes to realize that if there is only one
thing that you do and this is to inpsire just ONE person, then your life
will have been well spent. If minor contribution helped you get going in
your chosen path that I am more than happy. I am also glad to add that there
are several "Marios" around the Globe so I look back with some satisfaction.
Congratulations on your acheievements and one day I might just call in and
see you!! Make no promises - my physics keeps me very occupied!

Keep well

Kind regards

Case

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From: Mario Di Maggio
Sent: Sun 17/12/2006 16:39
To: Case Rijsdijk
Subject: RE: Greetings

Hello Case & Sue

Thank you very much for the card, and a very happy Winter Solstice season to you too!

Case, I've just explained to my girlfriend who you are - and on telling her you were the one who provided the funding to help me launch my 'simulated planetarium' in Durban in 1998 - I've realised you're significantly responsible for how happy I am now! Today is the 1st birthday of my current, and third planetarium I've launched - the UK's first purpose-built one, at Thinktank, Birmingham: www.dimaggio.org/Thinktank/media.htm  .

Thank you for having the insight to support astronomy in KwaZulu-Natal back in 1998, even though the province wasn't earmarked for such support.

Very warm regards

Mario