Engarium: A Dream Come True - How We Built a Low-Cost and High-Impact Planetarium in Mashhad, Iran

Presentation theme: future sustainability and worldviews

Planetariums are powerful tools for education and entertainment, as they can show the wonders of astronomy and the universe in a realistic and immersive way. However, building a planetarium is not an easy task, especially in a country like Iran, where sanctions, economic problems, and governmental restrictions pose many challenges and obstacles. In this presentation, we will share our story of how we built Engarium, a low-cost and high-impact planetarium in Mashhad, Iran, as a non-governmental organization. We will explain how we raised the funds, designed the building and the seats, installed the projection system and the software, and managed the operation and the maintenance of the planetarium. We will also show how we created a unique and innovative design for the planetarium, such as a large meridian gnomon, a below-ground level construction, and a 10.3-meter dome screen. We will also demonstrate how we achieved a high impact for the planetarium, such as hosting more than 100,000 visitors, building a community of 14,000 members, and leading the popularization of science in the east of the country. We will also share the lessons and the insights that we learned from our experience, as well as the challenges and the opportunities that we faced and that we foresee for the future. We hope that our presentation will inspire and inform other planetarium enthusiasts and professionals, as well as contribute to the advancement and the diversity of the planetarium field.

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