Planetariums & Observatories

A planetarium is a device that demonstrates the apparent motions of the Moon, the Sun, the planets, and the stars. The name is also given to the building that houses such a device. In the most elaborate modern installations, the stars are shown in correct colors, and other phenomena are demonstrated. Audio effects, such as thunder to accompany lightning storms, may also be added to the program. An astronomical observatory is a scientific institution specially equipped for making observations of celestial objects. Among its most important instruments are the telescope, the photometer, the spectrograph, and the photographic plate. Included herein are links related to planetariums and observatories.