Cyprus gets first planetarium

The government remains committed to implementing the National Space Strategy and investing in research and technology, said President Nikos Christodoulides when inaugurating the first Cyprus Planetarium.

He said the government has a coherent policy in which it wants to create new conditions and prospects to build a strong ecosystem for space technologies and services.

President Christodoulides praised the skilled personnel of the country, saying that with them, “we will achieve our vision of Cyprus becoming a society of knowledge, based on modern technologies and innovations”.

He said the Cyprus Planetarium creates new prospects for the development of the science of astronomy, research and innovation, and the various possibilities offered by cutting-edge space technology.

The Planetarium-Observatory, staffed by an experienced and fully scientifically qualified team, is one of the largest in Europe and the most modern.

It has state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly facilities, and innovative building infrastructure, using advanced technologies.

Christodoulides said that with its operation, the Planetarium brings Cyprus into contact with dynamic ecosystems abroad, confirming the quality of its educational, scientific and cultural activities.

He said it is an attractive destination for every age group, offering unique experiences of observing phenomena, education and entertainment.

“It creates opportunities for astrotourism which will create new jobs and revitalize the area.”

At the heart of our Planetarium lies an 18.25-meter dome, the largest in the Eastern Mediterranean, that serves as the centrepiece of the facility outside Nicosia near Episkopio.

The dome is equipped with a powerful digital system achieving 9.6K resolution using 10 Sony VPL-GTZ280 4K projectors, each with 5,000 lumens light output.

To enhance the experience, the Planetarium also features Dolby Atmos 5.1 surround sound, a revolutionary spatial audio technology that creates an immersive soundscape.

The Cyprus Planetarium has approximately 180 seats.