Explore the History of Sky Simulation at Madrid Planetarium: Opto-Mechanical Planetariums Exhibition

This exhibition showcases the SPACEMASTER opto-mechanical planetarium that operated at the Madrid Planetarium from 1986 to 2016. It highlights this significant piece of engineering and technology, which simulated celestial movements for millions of visitors, and its role in representing the night sky.

The exhibition 'Imitadores del cielo: Los planetarios óptico-mecánicos' is dedicated to the SPACEMASTER opto-mechanical planetarium, a key piece of technology that served the Madrid Planetarium for thirty years, from 1986 to 2016. During this period, it simulated the movements of stars and planets for over five million visitors, making it a significant educational and technological artifact. The exhibition, housed in the Planetarium's lobby, presents this engineering marvel alongside an explanatory diagram of its components and a video detailing the evolution of sky representations, particularly planetariums. This specific model, number 400 manufactured by Carl Zeiss of Jena, Germany, represents late 20th-century star projection techniques. The display aims to inform visitors about the intricacies of such machinery and its historical importance in astronomical education and public engagement with the cosmos. A similar planetarium's function can be further explored through an accompanying video link.

Entry is free and open to all, accessible during the usual opening hours of the center. Visitors are directed to the center's general schedule for access times.