Information
Landmark: Naval Hill PlanetariumCity: Bloemfontein
Country: South Africa
Continent: Africa
Naval Hill Planetarium, Bloemfontein, South Africa, Africa
Overview
Perched on Naval Hill in Bloemfontein, South Africa, the planetarium holds the distinction of being the first in sub-Saharan Africa to go fully digital, its dome glowing like a soft lantern against the night sky.Housed in the historic Lamont-Hussey Observatory on Naval Hill, it takes visitors on an immersive journey that leaps from the flicker of atomic particles to the sweep of distant galaxies.The planetarium sits inside the Lamont-Hussey Observatory, a dome-roofed building first built in 1928.In 2013, the University of the Free State turned the old observatory into a cutting-edge digital planetarium, its domed ceiling now alive with glowing constellations.This change was part of a larger push to create the Centre for Earth and Space, a place designed to spark curiosity about the stars and make science education come alive.At the planetarium, visitors can settle into the darkened dome and watch shows that range from guided trips through the solar system to breathtaking journeys into distant galaxies.The facility features interactive exhibits that draw in visitors of every age, from kids turning cranks to adults peering through microscopes, creating a lively, hands-on space for learning.At the Naval Hill Planetarium, staff work closely with schools and other learning centers to spark curiosity about science-sometimes in a room so dark you can almost feel the stars overhead.It offers hands-on learning that fits right alongside classroom lessons, sparking a sense of wonder and curiosity-like staring up at a sky scattered with countless stars.Tucked inside the Franklin Game Reserve on Naval Hill, the planetarium invites you to explore the stars and, when you step outside, take in sweeping views of Bloemfontein’s rooftops and the rolling hills beyond.Deer slip through tall grass and bright birds flash in the trees, making the reserve’s visit unlike any other.You can find the Naval Hill Planetarium at the Centre for Earth and Space, Naval Hill, Bloemfontein, 9300-right at 29.096655°S, 26.236261°E. For general inquiries, reach out to Yolandie Loots at +27 51 401 9751 or email [email protected].To learn more, visit the University of the Free State’s official planetarium website.
