Havana Planetarium Open to the Public
El Planetario Astronómico permitirá a los visitantes un fabuloso paseo cósmico. Photo: Roberto SuárezZoomThe Havana Planetarium opened its doors to the public on Wednesday. The new facility is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 9:30 to 5:00 and Sundays from 9:30 to 12:30.
Guided tours of the Universe Auditorium with capacity for 65 people are from Wednesday to Friday at 10:00, 11:00 a.m., and 2:30 p.m., Saturdays (10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.) and Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
Entry costs are 10.00 CUP and 10.00 CUC, and 5.00 CUP for students; children under the age of 12 are .05 CUP.
Among the attractions at the Planetarium is the Space Technology Hall that shows the relationship between humankind and the cosmos, using different technological advances. Upstairs there is the solar system balcony that offers a view from above, and in the Star and Galactic Rooms, telescopes provide a look into the universe in real time, from the former Havana Cinema building.
Speaking about the new planetarium, Havana historian Eusebio Leal said, “While the world is still astonished by the total failure of the International Summit on Climate Change that took place in Copenhagen, Denmark, Cuba and Japan have joined efforts to inaugurate a planetarium in Havana as a call to the people to take better care of nature, and represents a great place to admire the planet’s natural wonders.”
Leal also expressed his deepest gratitude towards all foreign and Cuban institutions that helped make this dream come true.
Visitors to the planetarium will also enjoy a recreation of the Big Bang explosion —a phenomenon which explains the possible origin of the universe— and have the opportunity to take a cosmic voyage inside the sun, where they will enjoy a truly unique show. Additionally, lectures will be regularly delivered in January to mark the visit of the first Japanese astronaut to the country.
