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Top Toy Planetariums

By Nick Greene, About.com

You'll have a stellar time learning about our solar system and the stars with these home planetariums. All you need is a dark room and an imaginations (and batteries of course). Help your kids begin their journey into astronomy with some great educational toys.

1. 3-D Space Projector by Uncle Milton

3-D Space Projector by Uncle Milton
Ages 8 and up. This isn't a planetarium prese, but it will project 25 amazing full-color 3-D images of planets, comets and other exciting space objects. This is a great toy for budding astronomers.

2. National Geographic Star Theater 2 Home Planetarium

National Geographic Star Theater 2 Home
This planetarium makes includes a bright halogen projector that beams hundreds of stars, planets, and constellations onto your walls and ceiling. National Geographic products are usually high quality and this is no exception.

3. Space Projector from Discovery

Here's another projector which I found to be great for those youngsters with a fascination of space.

4. Discovery Star Theater Home Planetarium

When you can't visit a large planetarium in person, bring this small one home. This is a great introduction to the night sky.

5. Star Theater Planetarium

Using a halogen star projector, project hundreds of stars, planets and constellations (and their names) on walls and ceilings, as they rise above a realistic 360-degree city skyline. This is a fun item which would be a great addition to any collection.

6. Interactive Planetarium with Space Gallery

Besides projecting images, this includes a 3-D model of the solar system. It's also interactive, providing a number of questions and answers for the inquiring mind.

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