Astronomical competitions as a tool to increase interest in planetariums

Presentation theme: educational advancements in planetariums

The Slovak Central Observatory is the announcer of several astronomical competitions in Slovakia. In 2023, a special budget from public sources was reserved for these competitions. This brought the possibility to support these activities financially at all levels. In Slovakia, there is a well-developed network of 16 astronomical facilities, which are devoted to popularization and mostly also have planetariums. In cooperation with these organizations, 2 knowledge and 1 art competition are announced. 

Knowledge competitions are intended for primary and secondary school students. During the preparation for the competition, students often use the possibility of training in planetariums, especially in the field of orientation in the sky and astronomical observations. 

The art competition is aimed at pre-school youth and primary schools. Here, planetariums are used as inspiration for the visual representation of space. 

Competitions are a good example of informal education using the possibilities offered by planetariums. With their support, new visitors are obtained and thus become an effective marketing tool.

Image © Arena Berlin