Welcome

We welcome you to the Society of Austrian Planetariums. Our society is an association which aims to promote cooperation and collaboration between Austrian planetariums, to support education and training for all age groups in the fields of astronomy, natural sciences and space sciences, and to initiate and carry out projects in the field of astronomy and related fields of knowledge. The Society’s activities are charitable and not for profit.

The history of our society goes back to 2001, when the then directors of the planetariums in Vienna, Klagenfurt and Schwaz met for the first time for a joint meeting. This resulted in a cooperation agreement between these three planetariums in 2003 and the first show production activities followed. The inaugural meeting of the current society took place on 13 November 2006, also by the then directors of the planetariums in Vienna, Klagenfurt and Schwaz.

News

YOUR DOME opens

10.07.2023

On 9 June 2023, the YOUR DOME opened its doors. A vision became reality and the transformation of the Schwaz Planetarium into an adventure dome with a convertible 360-degree dome is complete.

Premiere of Dark Side of Light

30.06.2023

The Dark Side of Light show, the result of an international project between seven European astronomy and planetarium institutions, premiered at FFB Brno in June 2023.

Centennial of the Planetarium

15.06.2023

2023 is a very special year for the planetarium world. The planetarium will be 100 years old. Until 2025, there will be numerous celebrations and events around the world to mark this special anniversary.

Projects

ERASMUS+ Project „Dark Side of Light“

Light pollution. Have you ever heard of this term? How can something as essential as light even be associated with pollution? And yet, there it is.

For several centuries, we have become accustomed to lighting up artificial light sources after dark, considering them natural. But it’s not. Living organisms, both, plants and animals, have adapted to the natural cycle of day and night for tens of millions of years. Our biorhythms work in accordance with sunrise and sunset. The artificial disruption of this cycle has serious consequences, not only for our health but also for the environment and the economy. So why is the increasing level of artificial lighting dangerous for us? Let’s take a look together at what is hidden under the term light pollution and what each of us can do about it.

Learn more

Mission X – Train Like an Astronaut

“Mission X – Train Like an Astronaut” is an international competition for schools that is held annually. The European Space Agency (ESA) has developed a series of exercises for Mission X that teach children about space knowledge, exercise, sports and the importance of healthy eating in everyday life.