These home planetariums work by shining a light through a slide and using a lens to focus it on the walls of your home. The planetarium is controlled using three on-body buttons and is rechargeable using USB-C (Image credit: Tantse Walter) While standing under a dark-sky and looking up at the constellations above is one of the joys of astronomy, it’s not always possible to get out and observe every night through a telescope. Here's one for space fans and paleontology enthusiasts alike. The second novelty-shaped projector in this guide and it's surprisingly capable in terms of functionality, and during our Dinosaur Egg Galaxy Star Projector review our children loved it!

Its body resembles a well-known sci-fi character (R2D2); we're sure this wasn't an accident. A pill-shaped device pivots vertically on a stand to expose either the planetarium end, which is ultimately a light with a plastic cover over the top allowing small 'stars' to be outwardly projected or a slide projector with a focusing ring. Using another of the supplied light covers), the star projector can also be used as a simple blue-colored night light. It serves no other purpose or provides any scientific accuracy. Still, it is a discrete, affordable, high-quality device that puts out visually stunning lasers to transform your surroundings while drawing very little energy.

We think the Orzorz Galaxy Lite Home Planetarium rivals the biggest players in the affordable star projector market.

Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium Star ProjectorA neat little STEM toy with multiple functions. Kids between 6 and 10 will love to learn more about space with this hands-on device.★★★½ In theory, yes. Most models of star projectors run from mains AC power or DC through a USB port, so they will run as long as they are plugged in. Some models are battery-powered, meaning you run the risk of the battery running out of power overnight. The same Astro Planetarium Multimedia disks are included — one featuring a starry night sky and the other featuring overlays of constellations, and it's all entirely accurate for the time and day you're using it. Star projectors often have a rotation feature to enhance your stargazing experience, usually toggled with a switch or button on the projector. Projectors without rotation display a static image, while a rotating projection provides multiple viewing angles. Look for a projector with different rotation speeds if you want something with movement, though note that most rotating projectors have small motors that make noise. How We Evaluated

You will need to set up your phone's Bluetooth before you begin, but this is a seamless experience, with the device being up and running within moments. You have acne or Plus-Size Body Shape? You are called e-girl or car girl? You have to hide your authentic self after having a kid? It's time to see yourself in a new light. Just switch on your POCOCO galaxy projector.'

Frequently Asked Questions

Many of these star projectors offer up views of the brightest stars in the night sky, helping you learn your way around the constellations before heading off to search for true dark skies. There are 30 additional discs available when you visit Astrial, Sega Toys' official online store. Simulations of the aurora borealis and the aurora australis are perhaps the highlights. There is a disc that displays the planets of the solar system as well, but it is the ones that show galaxies, nebulas and other NASA-based imagery that really stand out. For example, the North America nebula as taken by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and the weird seven-star system called Jabbah (officially called Nu Scorpii and IC 4592) as imaged by NASA's WISE mission. You can also buy disks that simulate fireworks, 'night jellyfish' and a hot-air balloon festival. The spherical design means you have near 360-degree angling, and it comes with a 1.5 m cable, giving maximum positioning flexibility. This gives it a slight edge over the Encalife Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Smart Projector, which has similar specs but can only be used in four fixed positions. Encalife Ambience Galaxy & Star Projector:A neat combination of a star projector and Bluetooth speaker built into one. It isn't scientifically accurate but it displays vivid nebula-inspired patterns to enhance the ambience in any room. ★★★½

On top of the Bluetooth speaker, there is also in-built 'white noise' functionality, presumably to be used as a sleeping-aid first and foremost. There's a catalog of 19 different sounds from a cow moo-ing and a dog barking, to more sleep-appropriate 'watery noises,' piano tunes and 'standard' white noise. The best star projectors can either be used as home planetariums, projecting realistic night skies and galaxies indoors, or they can serve as soft, glowy night lights for adults or children. Though clearly not a scientific star projector, it would transform your gaming room, party atmosphere or sleeping environment. As the motor is very quiet — near silent, in fact, the motor noise won't be a distraction, allowing you to focus on the immersive and impressive light patterns.The ones listed here all come with slides intended to mimic the actual constellations and can be rotated (either automatically or by hand) to show different views of the night sky. Here we have one of the most reasonably priced star projectors available. Think of it as an educational STEM toy for young budding astronomers rather than anything too sophisticated. Your space (up to 30ft x 30ft) can be transformed into an ethereal sensory experience by turning on the laser 'stars' and gazing for hours at the calming changing patterns.

Sega Toys Homestar FluxGreat for recreating a realistic-looking night sky inside. It's on the pricier end of the market but the option to upgrade your disc collection is attractive. The night sky representation is about as realistic as it gets.★★★★½ Pococo Galaxy Star ProjectorIt does what it is supposed to — it projects high-quality imagery onto any surface to immerse you in the wonders of what the universe has to offer, maintaining a static picture or slowly rotating image.★★★★The models that tend to be more affordable are those that give you an immersive experience, to give the feel of being somewhere other-worldly, and the colors and patterns are loosely 'inspired' by space — nebulas, auroras and galaxies. You've likely seen them at parties, in games rooms, in spas and so on.