Situated on the right bank of the Loire River, the Planetarium of Nantes (Planétarium de Nantes) in Rezé, France, is a celestial haven for astronomy enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Opened on June 18, 1981, this captivating venue invites visitors to embark on a journey through the cosmos, offering a diverse array of shows and activities that cater to all ages and levels of knowledge.
The Planetarium of Nantes is nestled in the picturesque Marcel-Moisan Square, near the Jules Verne Museum. This strategic location not only offers breathtaking views but also places visitors in the heart of a culturally rich area. The planetarium's primary mission is to present astronomical shows that transport audiences to the farthest reaches of the universe. Under its 8-meter diameter dome, the planetarium can accommodate 59 spectators, making each session an intimate and immersive experience.
Each session at the Planetarium of Nantes lasts about an hour and is tailored to suit different audiences, whether they are school groups, families, or seasoned stargazers. The planetarium's schedule is meticulously planned to ensure that visitors can choose from a variety of themes and presentations. The engaging commentary during these sessions helps demystify complex astronomical concepts, making them accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
In the welcoming hall, visitors are greeted by an impressive display of meteorites, some weighing as much as 36 kilograms. These celestial rocks can be touched, providing a tangible connection to outer space. The hall also features numerous models showcasing robots on the surfaces of Mars, Venus, the Moon, Titan (a moon of Saturn), and even a comet. Additionally, there are models of planetary globes, rockets, the International Space Station, and various space probes such as Juno (orbiting Jupiter) and the James Webb Space Telescope.
Beyond its daily shows, the Planetarium of Nantes offers a plethora of activities to engage the community. Approximately once a month, a special nighttime session is held, focusing on a specific astronomical theme. The planetarium also boasts a mobile dome, an inflatable structure designed for educational purposes, which travels to schools, colleges, and associations throughout the department.
The planetarium collaborates with local organizations such as the Nantes Astronomy Society and Accoord Efferv&Sciences to organize training courses, participatory science projects, and more. These partnerships enhance the educational value of the planetarium, making it a focal point for scientific learning and discovery. The Planetarium of Nantes also participates in various local, national, and European events, including the Science Festival, Heritage Days, and the Night of Museums, among others.
The story of the Planetarium of Nantes began in 1978 with the opening of the Jules Verne Museum on the Butte Sainte-Anne. During an exhibition celebrating the 150th anniversary of Jules Verne's birth, a Zeiss planetarium projector was showcased, sparking the city's interest in acquiring its own planetarium. By 1981, the dream became a reality, and the planetarium was equipped with a Zeiss ZKP2 projector, similar to those in Reims, Nîmes, and Marseille.
Over the years, the planetarium has undergone several upgrades to keep pace with technological advancements. In the autumn of 2005, the original opto-mechanical projector was replaced with a state-of-the-art digital system, making Nantes the first planetarium in the world to install five DLP video projectors to cover the entire dome. Further renovations in 2013 and 2020 ensured that the planetarium remained at the forefront of astronomical education and entertainment.
The Planetarium of Nantes is not an isolated entity; it is part of a vibrant network of scientific institutions and organizations. It collaborates with the Nantes University Planetology Laboratory, the Natural History Museum, the Chronographe, and the Sequoia Science and Environment Hub, among others. These partnerships foster a rich environment for research and scientific mediation, particularly in the field of astronomy.
Adjacent to the planetarium is the charming Marcel-Moisan Square, a small municipal park that was redesigned in 1996 to coincide with the summer solstice. The square features plants inspired by the works of Jules Verne and includes a remarkable set of sculptures by Jean-Michel Ansel. These sculptures, titled Astronomical Structures, depict various celestial phenomena such as the Earth's movement around the Sun, lunar and solar eclipses, and the retrograde motion of Mars.
In conclusion, the Planetarium of Nantes is a beacon of astronomical wonder and education. Its rich history, engaging shows, and interactive exhibits make it a must-visit destination for anyone with a passion for the stars. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a curious novice, the Planetarium of Nantes offers a gateway to the universe that is both enlightening and awe-inspiring.
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