Silesian Planetarium
ĹšlÄ…skie
The Silesian Planetarium, located in the Silesian Park on the border of Katowice and ChorzĂłw in Poland, stands as the country's largest and oldest planetarium, founded in 1955 to honor Nicolaus Copernicus. Its 23-meter dome accommodates around 400 spectators, showcasing the night sky through advanced analogue and digital projectors capable of displaying millions of stars in true 8K resolution. The planetarium complex includes an astronomical observatory housing Poland's largest refractor telescope with a 300 mm diameter, alongside modern instruments such as the PlaneWave CDK700 optical telescope and a 5-meter radio telescope installed in 2023. Visitors can observe live celestial phenomena, including solar imaging and deep-sky objects, benefiting from the facility's scientific research on comets and minor planets. The planetarium also features an extensive astronomical library, a large sundial, and meteorological and seismological stations that conduct ongoing observations and educational programs. After a major modernization completed in 2022, the facility transformed into a science park with interactive underground exhibitions and an observation tower, solidifying its role as a leading center for astronomy education and public engagement in Poland.
Planifiez votre voyage en Pologne avec l'IA
Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: For the best experience, visit on clear days to enjoy live telescope observations of the Sun and night sky. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during special events and school holidays. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and groups. The planetarium offers educational programs and interactive exhibitions, making it ideal for families and astronomy enthusiasts. Check the official website for current show schedules and special events.
Faits intéressants
- •The planetarium hosts Poland's largest refractor telescope with a 300 mm diameter, upgraded in 2023 to a 70 cm PlaneWave CDK700 optical telescope.
- •It was the venue for the 5th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics in 2011.
- •The planetarium's dome is the largest in Poland with a diameter of 23 meters, featuring a spherical screen of nearly 800 square meters.
- •The facility includes meteorological and seismological stations that conduct regular observations and educational activities.
- •Polish Post issued postage stamps featuring the Silesian Planetarium in 1966 and again in 2007 as part of tourism and city series.
Histoire
Construction of the Silesian Planetarium began in July 1953, designed by KrakĂłw architect Zbigniew Solawa, and it officially opened on December 4, 1955, during the Nicolaus Copernicus Year.
Initially equipped with a Carl Zeiss projector capable of projecting over 8,000 stars, it became a pioneering astronomical education center in Poland.
The observatory with the largest Polish refractor telescope was established simultaneously.
Over the years, the addition of seismological and climatological stations expanded its scientific scope.
Between 2018 and 2022, the planetarium underwent extensive modernization funded by the European Union and local authorities, introducing interactive exhibitions and new telescopes, including a 70 cm optical telescope and a 5-meter radio telescope in 2023.
Guide du lieu
Main Projection Dome1955, modernized 2018-2022
A 23-meter diameter dome equipped with a combination of analogue and digital projectors, including the Chiron III and a system of 10 Sony digital projectors capable of displaying about 100 million stars in true 8K resolution on an almost 800 square meter spherical screen. It offers immersive astronomical shows to up to 400 visitors.
Astronomical Observatory1955 (original), 2023 (modern telescopes)
Houses Poland's largest refractor telescope, originally a 300 mm diameter instrument replaced in 2023 by the PlaneWave CDK700 with a 70 cm mirror and 4.54 m focal length. The observatory also includes a 5-meter radio telescope enabling observations of the Sun, Moon, and deep space radio sources.
Interactive Science Park Exhibitions2022
Located mainly underground, this modern exhibition space features interactive astronomy-related displays and educational installations introduced during the 2018-2022 modernization.
Meteorological and Seismological StationsSeismological station established 1959, climatological station 1963
Stations within the planetarium complex that conduct regular weather and seismic observations, providing educational classes and contributing to ongoing scientific research.
Large Sundial
A large sundial located in the courtyard of the planetarium, serving as both an educational tool and a decorative feature.
Contact
Téléphone: 32 745 00 55