Thames and Kosmos planetarium star projector review

Thames and Kosmos makes it very clear that their Planetarium Projector is aimed at children. This star projector is marketed as a STEM toy, giving it both educational and fun properties, and it delivers on that. Technically two projectors in one, it's capable of projecting wide-reaching constellations and smaller, clearer celestial objects and space-related objects.

The projections aren't the sharpest, especially compared to something like the Sega Toys Homestar Classic, but considering this projector comes in at a fraction of the price, it's a good choice if you're looking for one of the best star projectors with educational properties.

Its setup is a little fiddlier than other projectors: You'll have to insert an image disk and select a projection dome before you're good to go. It feels like a quality product, though, and we think it's well worth every penny of its $35 MSRP.

Thames and Kosmos planetarium projector: Design

• Looks like a quality product
• The projection domes are a little fragile
• Can be wall-mounted

One neat thing about the Thames and Kosmos Planetarium Projector is that it can be wall-mounted. There's a nook on the back of the unit that can be hung on a nail, keeping it tidily out of the way. Of course, it's optional: It can be placed on a table or desk just like any other projector, which will likely be more convenient for most users.

We think the projector is well-made, and it looks like a premium product given its cheap $35 asking price. Our only concern is that the projection domes are rather fragile. They seem like they can be easily bent or broken, especially if handled by young children. And without them, the projector is mostly useless. There are three included with the projector (Northern Hemisphere constellations, Southern Hemisphere constellations and stars with no constellations), and as far as we can see, you can't buy replacements.

Next to the main projection dome is a smaller projector, which is operated by sliding a disk into a slot underneath it. Four disks are included with the projector, and each one has eight images. You'll find the moon, all eight planets of the solar system, and a range of other space-themed imagery, such as a rocket, an asteroid and more.

Thames and Kosmos planetarium projector: Performance

• Wide projection
• The second projector allows for interesting and detailed imagery
• Blurry main projections

Undoubtedly, the main selling point of the Thames and Kosmos Planetarium Projector is that it's two projectors in one. The main, dome-shaped projector casts stars or constellations across your walls and ceiling, while the second, smaller projector adds either a space-related object or a celestial body. You can have one projector on by itself, or both on together. We love the effect of having both together.

The main projector is pleasingly wide as it covers most of our bedroom when testing. The downside is that the projections are a little blurry, however, which ruins the ambience somewhat, especially when the secondary projector's images are beautifully sharp and detailed.

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Still, it's hard to mind too much, especially when the coverage is so good. With three domes included with the projector, you can choose to display the constellations of the Northern or Southern Hemisphere, or a random scattering of stars. It creates a pleasant ambiance, and thanks to the marked-out constellations, there's an educational element, too.

The secondary projections, controlled by a disk that you insert into the projector, also add another layer of education. As we've already mentioned, images include planets and other space-related images. They aren't the biggest projections, but they are very detailed and enhance the experience of the projector.

One downside, however, is that the Thames and Kosmos planetarium projector is rather noisy when in use. It makes it difficult to use it purely as a relaxation tool.

Thames and Kosmos planetarium projector: Functionality

• No remote control
• Built-in sleep timer
• Interchangeable images

One thing that sets the Thames and Kosmos Planetarium Projector apart from most other projectors in this price range is the different projections available. Thanks to having two projectors, both of which have interchangeable images (dome-based and disk-based), there are dozens of combinations available. We think this is particularly important for kids, who could get bored with seeing the same images night after night.

A remote control isn't included, which means you'll have to use the buttons on the front of the unit itself. It's fairly easy to use: To turn the projectors on or off, simply cycle through one of the buttons. A remote control would have been nice, especially given that the projector can be wall-mounted.

Having a built-in sleep timer is a nice touch, but given how noisy the projector is, we're not sure anyone would want to fall asleep to its motor whirring away.

Should you buy the Thames and Kosmos planetarium projector?

We think the Thames and Kosmos Planetarium Projector is a great choice for kids. It doesn't break the bank, and it offers plenty of educational potential thanks to its two projectors and realistic imagery.

For adults looking for something offering more scientific imagery, you might be better off looking at Sega Toys' range of projectors — although expect to pay a substantial amount more.

We're just disappointed that the projections of the Thames and Kosmos Planetarium Projector aren't a little sharper, and that it's rather noisy when in use. It isn't the best option for simply relaxing with — for that, we'd recommend something like the Encalife Atmosphere — but if you want to introduce your kids to the constellations of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, this does the job rather nicely.