At the UniSA campus in Mawson Lakes is Adelaide's only Planetarium.
Zeiss ZKP-1 Jena Star Projector, Adelaide Planetarium, UniSA Mawson Lakes Campus (©paula mcmanus)
The planetarium is an air conditioned room with an 8 metre dome-shaped ceiling, fitted out with approximately 45 specially designed reclining chairs. At the centre of the room is a 1960's Zeiss ZKP-1 Jena star projector. It's one of the few left in the world that is still operated manually.
Adelaide Planetarium, UniSA Mawson Lakes Campus (©paula mcmanus)
During the presentation, the night sky is projected onto the ceiling and your experienced space guide will explain the sky as seen from the Southern Hemisphere. You'll see and hear about the stars and planets, the Magellanic Clouds, the Milky Way and lots more.
Astronomy Educator Martin Lewicki, Adelaide Planetarium, UniSA Mawson Lakes Campus (©paula mcmanus)
I'm not an avid astronomer and would never have been able to tell a star from a planet before going to the Planetarium. Martin Lewicki, a UniSA Astronomy Educator, was our guide for the session and he explained everything so easily and clearly. We were given maps of the night sky and there was a lot of interaction between Martin and the audience. I found the information extremely interesting and very easy to understand.
Martin Lewicki, Astronomy Education, Adelaide Planetarium, UniSA Mawson Lakes
The Adelaide Planetarium is in the University of South Australia's Mawson Lakes campus on the first floor of Building P. There are stairs and lift access. Parking is free.
When:Sessions are held on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month at 1pm and again at 2.45pm.
The shows last for approximately 1 hour and are tailored according to the session audience - so whether you are 5 or 85 you will be sure to enjoy the presentation.
The Planetarium is also perfect for school groups, birthday parties and private sessions. Bookings and can be arranged for any day of the week.
Adelaide Planetarium, UniSA Mawson Lakes Campus (©paula mcmanus)
Adults $8
Children and Concession $6
Bookings:Bookings are essential and can be made by calling 8302 3138 (between 9am and 4.45pm Monday to Friday), or by email to adelaide.planetarium@unisa.edu.au
For those who wish to learn more about astronomy, the University hold public astronomy evening classes throughout the year. Contact their office for more information.
Adelaide Planetarium, UniSA Mawson Lakes Campus (©paula mcmanus)
