A dome in the garden
The planetarium of Strasbourg sits in the historic university gardens. The building opened its doors back in 1982. It is not a massive modern complex. It is actually quite a cosy and intimate space.
The architecture is a classic example of late 20th century university design. The main feature is a large metal dome that looks like a giant silver mushroom sprouted among the old trees. It might look a bit dated from the outside but the magic happens once you step across the threshold.
Inside you will find a circular room designed specifically to make you forget about the cloudy Alsace weather. The seats tilt back quite far so you can stare directly at the ceiling without ruining your neck muscles.
High tech tools for stargazing
The planetarium does not rely on old school slide projectors anymore. The facility uses highly professional tools to bring the cosmos to life. The team updated the technology to digital systems that can fly you through galaxies in real time.
The heart of the room is a powerful digital projection system. It maps millions of stars onto the curved ceiling with perfect clarity. The software can simulate the night sky from any point on earth or from any moment in history.
This is not just a cinema for lazy Sunday afternoons. The planetarium is attached to the Strasbourg astronomical observatory. Real scientists work right next door so the data used in the shows is highly accurate.
Great sessions for curious minds
The public sessions are the main reason people visit this dome. The planetarium runs various shows throughout the week for different age groups. You do not need a degree in astrophysics to enjoy the presentations.
The presenters guide the audience through the solar system with live commentary. They show you how to spot constellations and explain the physics of black holes in simple terms.
It is a great place to realise how small and insignificant your daily problems really are. A quick trip to the edge of the known universe usually puts things into perspective.
