National Planetarium, Planetarium in Ermita district, Manila, Philippines
The National Planetarium is a dome-shaped building located in the heart of Rizal Park that introduces visitors to space and the sky. The structure holds around 310 spectators and uses projection technology to display celestial bodies and cosmic phenomena.
The building was established in 1975 with Japanese support as part of post-war reparations to the country. This opening marked an important moment for public education and made astronomical knowledge accessible to a wider audience.
The place connects astronomy with local traditions by presenting how different Philippine ethnic groups understood the sky and stars throughout history. Visitors can see how traditional knowledge about celestial bodies remains part of the region's cultural identity.
The site sits within the park and is easy to reach on foot from the city center; visitors should plan to arrive early to avoid long waits. The presentations work well for all ages, making it a good option for families.
The facility houses a specialized projection system that casts stars and planets onto the dome with high precision. This equipment allows visitors to see cosmic events that are sometimes difficult to observe in the actual night sky.
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