National Geographic Talking Planetarium
Bring the night sky indoors as a rotating star-dome projects Northern Hemisphere constellations on the ceiling. Our talking planetarium tells space stories about 24 images from the National Geographic archives. Includes a red-dot star pointer and CD-ROM planetarium software with customizable sky map display.
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—small parts not for children under 3 years.
For ages 8 and up. Four AA batteries, not included. 8"W x 9"D x 11"H.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
0%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
Cons
- Poor design (4)
- Flimsy (3)
Best Uses
- Reviewer Profile:
- Parent of two or more children (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes (6)
Reviewed by 6 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
Cons
- Poor Design
Best Uses
- NONE
Comments about National Geographic Talking Planetarium:
The planetarium was IMPOSSIBLE to assemble. I read and reread the directions and I could not get the sphere to attach to the base. Maybe some pieces were missing. I called the manufacturer AND National Geographic and no one could tell me how to assemble the planetarium.
I was very disappointed because my granddaughter is very interested in the boundless universe.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
Cons
- Flimsy
- Moves Too Fast
- Must Be Close To Ceiling
- Poor Design
- Unrealistic
Best Uses
Comments about National Geographic Talking Planetarium:
Unless it is placed within 3 feet of the ceiling the names of the constellations are unreadable. It spins much too fast.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
Cons
- Battery Consumption
- Battery Lasted 2 Hours
- Cheaply Made
- Flimsy
- Poor Design
Best Uses
Comments about National Geographic Talking Planetarium:
I had wanted one for several years. Received as Christmas gift. Motor didn't work. I imagined being able to see the stars on the ceiling all night long. New batteries last about 2 hours, Needs to have A/C power adapter. Returned for credit.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- East To Assemble
- Easy Assembly
- Fun Concept
Cons
- Dvd Not Child Friendly
- No Easy Focus
- Voice Annoying
- Voice Just Repeats
Best Uses
- Creative Development
- Family Time
- Group Activity
- Indoor
Comments about National Geographic Talking Planetarium:
Grandchildren could get into sleeping bags and watch the night sky move across the ceiling as a voice carried them through the story of the constellations.
However the voice just repeated the same message and was just annoying.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about National Geographic Talking Planetarium:
I bought this for my son last year for Christmas, he was about to turn 10. He loves science & planetariums and we thought this would be neat to be able to use at home. Well, maybe it would be if we happened to have a completely empty, or extremely large room, preferably with a domed ceiling. In his room, which is a decent size, half of the display was on his walls, which have pictures, windows & doors on them. I was hoping it'd be more just on the ceiling so you could really see it all. Also, the recorded narration was rather limited & once you listened to it you didn't really need to again. It needs to somehow be altered to be usable in a normal room, and to have more information available to listen to would be nice. Also, though we haven't looked at it in over a year (we used it maybe twice & it's just sat ever since) I seem to recall the actual stars & such displayed were a bit crowded with the zodiac info. Certainly a disappointment. As already said by others, I'd expect more from NG.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
Cons
- Cheaply Made
- Flimsy
- Poor Design
Best Uses
Comments about National Geographic Talking Planetarium:
Quite simply this product does not work. We bought it for our 8 yr old daughter who was desperate for one. The stars are really blurry unless an adult holds it close to the ceiling ie. 20 cm away! The writing describing the constellations masks the stars so you get no feel for their shapes. Extremely disapointing. I would have expected more from Nat Geo.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Displaying reviews 1-6
From National Geographic:Thank you for your feedback. We sincerely regret the difficulty you have experienced. Everything from the National Geographic Store is unconditionally guaranteed, and we want you to be happy with your purchase. If you would like to return this item for a refund or exchange, please contact us at NGCatalog@ngs.org.