A charming picture of the starry sky from time immemorial attracts the attention of mankind. Which of us was not standing, head thrown back, trying to see the Ursa Major or find the Northern Crown. The development of megacities leaves less and less chance for our children to meet this miracle - the starry sky. Planetariums are an opportunity for a modern person to look beyond the horizon of the Universe.
Planetarium in Rostov-on-Don - the first step to a dream
The project to create a platform for the scientific study of space appeared in the 20s of the last century. But difficulties and tragedies in the history of the Soviet state delayed the implementation of the idea for two decades. The Rostov Astronomical Observatory began its work in 1948, settling in a specially constructed building in the park named after M. Gorky.
Its location is not accidental. In the 40s of the last century, it was the darkest place in the city. It is difficult for modern Rostovites to believe this, but that was so. The development of the city’s infrastructure made adjustments, and another observatory outside the city was built to continue scientific research. And the Rostov planetarium continued to work in the old building, providing an opportunity for residents and guests of the southern capital to see the beauty and touch the secrets of space.
The next severity at the turn of the century led to the closure of the planetarium in Rostov-on-Don, this happened in 2003.
New life - a new look
After a large-scale reconstruction in 2014, the doors of a modern planetarium opened to visitors. The new site, a sphere equipped with modern Takahashi and Coronado telescopes, allows all inquisitive to see the lively starry sky. Unique equipment, the only one in the south of Russia, intended for public use, provides an opportunity not only to examine in detail the closest neighbors in the solar system, but also to look into deep space.
The historic building features a classic planetarium. Projections of the starry sky are created using the latest digital technology. Surprisingly, one can not only see cosmic phenomena inaccessible during ordinary observation, but also become an eyewitness to the evolution of the Universe. Look 100, 000 years into the past and see the sky of the first people or travel to the future.
Also in the old tower there is a hall with interactive equipment where you can view 3D presentations.
For the Space Museum, there was also a place in a cozy mansion built in 1948.
