The Planetarium is designed for the projection of 5 unique Dwemer starmaps. Its entrance is located at the far end of the upper corridor in the Hall of Heroes, to the right of the Library entrance.
Quest
The Planetarium is built during the quest A Path to the Heavens. Prior to said quest, the door will be locked. When asked about it, Auryen will explain that the tower behind the door was sealed off due to massive water damage.
The quest begins when the Dragonborn discovers a set of Dwemer schematics in Karagas' Tower in the ruins of Rkund. As the Dragonborn lacks the skill and knowledge necessary to decipher or even understand the schematics, they must be brought to the museum's resident Dwemer expert, Madras. He will explain that the schematics are for a structure known as a celestial dome, more commonly called a planetarium. He asks you to give him a few days to look over the diagrams and then come talk to him. After returning to Madras, he explains that he believes the museum can construct a planetarium in the locked tower and asks the Dragonborn to collect an amount of materials to begin construction: Stone to repair the tower, logs to provide the frame, Dwarven metal ingots for the boiler, pump and pipes and iron fittings to hold it all together. After delivering the requested items, Madras will again explain that he needs a few days to get things organized.
Coming back a second time, the Dragonborn will discover that Madras has set up the necessary facilities to begin construction. A Workbench, similar to those found at Hearthfire home sites, stands against the wall opposite the door and can be used by the Dragonborn to assist in the construction of the planetarium. It will take several weeks and a significant amount of stone, logs, Dwarven ingots and iron fittings to finish the area.
Usage
To use the Planetarium, activate the Starmap Receptable on the upper walkways to place a Planetarium Cube in it. It can be reached by using the lift at the wall to the east.
Note: The lift activators will appear as doors labeled "Planetarium" on the local map, don't let that confuse you.
If you have more than one Cube in your inventory, a popup message appears which lets you choose the Cube to place. Step back, relax and enjoy the view!
To deactivate the Planetarium, simply activate the Starmap Receptable again, the Cube will be put back in your inventory.
Cubes which can be used
- Aetherium Cube - offers a glimpse of Aetherius, the realm of the Aedra.
- Constellation Cube - this cube is by far the most useful. It shows a perk circle which can be used to reset skill perks, similar to the Black Book: Waking Dreams, but far more convenient since you don't have to travel to Solstheim to use it.
- Planetary Cube - offers a spectacular view from space of Nirn and its Moons Masser and Secunda.
- Sky Cube - shows the actual sky above Solitude at noon.
- Storm Cube - displays, well, a storm-clouded sky.
Cube views
