The Silesian Planetarium also Silesian Planetarium and Astronomical Observatory (Polish: Planetarium Śląskie Polish: Śląskie Planetarium i Obserwatorium Astronomiczne) is the largest and oldest planetarium in Poland. It was founded on 4 December 1955 to commemorate Nicolaus Copernicus. It is located in the Silesian Park, on the boundary between the Katowice and Chorzów cities in the Metropolis GZM.
Facilities
editThe Planetarium's 23-meter dome can seat four hundred spectators viewing projections of the sky from both analogue and digital planetarium projectors. It hosts regular public shows on astronomical topics as well as a variety of other events. In 2011 it hosted the fifth International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics.
The Planetarium's sister astronomical observatory is equipped with a 300-mm diameter refracting telescope (the largest refractor in use in Poland) and a number of smaller instruments. On cloudless days, visitors can view live images of the Sun and, after dusk, a range of celestial objects at a magnification of up to 750 times.
The observatory conducts research on comets and minor planets. The Planetarium has an astronomical library of some 10,000 volumes and, in the courtyard, a large sundial. The corridors host astronomy-related exhibits.
The Planetarium's meteorological and seismological stations conduct regular observations and host educational classes.
See also
editExternal links
edit
- (in Polish) Website Silesian Planetarium (has page in English)
- (in Polish) Website Silesian Planetarium (old site, archived)
- (in Polish) Website panoramical photos of Silesian Planetarium
50°17′25.69″N 18°59′29.29″E / 50.2904694°N 18.9914694°E
 | This article about a Polish building or structure is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |