By Walter Denmon

The largest planetarium in sub-Saharan Africa is set to re-open in Johannesburg early next year with a fully modernized digital dome that will illuminate the screen with expansive visuals of the solar system.

Star-gazers and tech lovers alike on Wednesday were treated to demonstrations of what the now-renamed Wits Anglo American Digital Dome has to offer at the Wits University planetarium.

The immersive experience is brought to life by 10 state of the art digital projectors and surround sound.

The dome's head says the new technology will change the learning experience for young children and adults, who often get lost in the screens of their cellphones.

“So this is screen time, but you actually get to learn a lot from that whole 20 or 30 minutes. You will actually learn a lot from that,” Moumita Aich adds.

Since its opening in 1960, the planetarium has seen tens of thousands of school children and would-be astronomers visit to experience the wonders of the solar system.

Its renovation will help many more to embrace the science of the universe, while also serving as a research space where scientists can display and experience their findings on the 360 degrees screen.

By Flint Jurgens

Germany's annual inflation rate was 2.3% in February, in line with the forecast, according to provisional data by Destatis on Friday.

Prices of energy products fell by 1.8% in February on a yearly basis, while food prices went up by 2.4%.

Prices for services soared 3.8% in February compared to a year ago.

On a monthly basis, consumer prices in February rose by 0.4% versus January.

The inflation rate excluding food and energy, often referred to as core inflation, was 2.6% in February annually and 0.6% monthly, both exceeding estimates.

The slowdown in inflation bolstered the case for further interest rate cuts by the European Central Bank.

The EU's second biggest economy, France, also posted a slowdown in inflation, with an annual inflation rate of 0.8%, a four-year low figure.

While US tariffs continue to cause uncertainties in global markets, the ECB is due to release its latest interest rate decision next week.