Kharkiv Planetarium Yuri Gagarin | Kharkiv

The Kharkiv Planetarium named after Yuri Gagarin is a major scientific and educational institution in Kharkiv, Ukraine, dedicated to astronomy and space exploration. Founded in 1957 by the prominent Soviet astronomer Nikolai Barabashov, it was named in 1961 in honor of Yuri Gagarin, the first human to journey into outer space. The planetarium serves both as a cultural landmark and a center for public outreach, inspiring curiosity about the universe.

Location and Accessibility

The planetarium is located at 15 Kravtsova Lane, Kharkiv, near the city center, making it easily accessible by public transportation such as metro, buses, and trams. The surrounding area is urban, with convenient amenities nearby.

Facilities and Attractions

Star Hall (Main Dome Theater):
The heart of the planetarium is the Star Hall, featuring a large dome with a diameter of 13.5 meters and seating for about 160 visitors. This hall is equipped with a modern ZEISS hybrid digital projection system that combines classical optical-mechanical projectors with high-resolution digital technology. This setup provides immersive, full-dome presentations of the night sky, celestial phenomena, space missions, and cosmic explorations, creating a captivating experience for audiences of all ages.

Cosmos Museum:
Adjacent to the planetarium theater is the Cosmos Museum, which exhibits a rich collection of space-related artifacts and models. Visitors can see replicas of famous spacecraft and satellites, including Lunokhod-1 (the first lunar rover), the International Space Station (ISS), the Soviet space station Mir, the Apollo spacecraft, and NASA’s Voyager probes. The museum also displays meteorite fragments found in Ukraine, connecting visitors to tangible pieces of the cosmos.

Observatory and Telescope Viewing:
The planetarium includes an observatory equipped with telescopes that allow visitors to observe the Moon, planets, stars, and other celestial objects. Weather permitting, guided observation sessions give people a chance to see the night sky through professional instruments, enhancing their understanding of astronomy.

Virtual Telescope and Interactive Exhibits:
To engage visitors interactively, the planetarium offers a virtual telescope experience, enabling real-time exploration of astronomical objects through digital means. There are also hands-on exhibits and models that help explain concepts like the solar system, star formation, and cosmic distances, making the visit educational and fun, especially for children and students.

Educational Programs and Events

The Kharkiv Planetarium regularly hosts educational programs, workshops, lectures, and themed events aimed at schools, universities, families, and astronomy enthusiasts. Programs include guided tours of the stars, explanations of space missions, seasonal sky events (like eclipses and meteor showers), and discussions of new discoveries in space science.

Visiting Information

Opening Hours: Generally from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though hours can vary, so it is best to confirm before visiting.

Admission Fees:

Full-dome Star Hall shows: approximately 100 UAH

Cosmos Museum: around 30 UAH

Telescope viewing sessions: about 80 UAH

Virtual telescope experience: roughly 30 UAH

Contact: +380 99 043 2293

Transportation

By Metro: Take the metro line from ‘Universytet’ station towards ‘Oleksiivska’, transfer to bus number 115 to Kravtsova Lane near the planetarium.

By Bus: Bus number 115 connects the central bus station to the planetarium area.

By Tram: Tram number 7 stops near Kravtsova Lane, a short walk from the planetarium entrance.

Visitor Experience

The Kharkiv Planetarium offers a unique blend of immersive astronomy presentations and tangible space exhibits. Visitors often appreciate the engaging full-dome shows and the opportunity to view celestial bodies through telescopes. While some reviews suggest the facility could benefit from technological updates, the overall experience is educational, inspiring, and enjoyable for all ages.

Summary

The Kharkiv Planetarium named after Yuri Gagarin stands as a gateway to the universe in one of Ukraine’s largest cities. It combines modern astronomical technology with educational outreach, providing a rich experience that connects visitors to the cosmos — from the earliest stars visible in the night sky to the latest space explorations by humanity.