Planetariums that revolutionized astronomy outreach in Thailand

Presentation theme: future sustainability and worldviews

Even though planetariums exist around the world, few countries have a »chain« of planetariums that are operated, staffed, and trained by the same centralized institution. The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) was founded in a country relatively young in astronomy and lacking all the necessary infrastructure and personnels in astronomy outreach. Recognizing its importance, NARIT makes outreach one of its fundamental goals and aimed to revolutionize the field of astronomy outreach at the national level. Such a top-down and comprehensive approach to astronomy outreach has rarely been attempted before. Here, we have transitioned the role of planetariums from being mere entertainment or educational venues to that of core facilities and the frontline in our attempt at transforming outreach infrastructure of Thailand at the national level. Over the past 15 years, starting from zero we are now receiving over half a million visitors annually across our 5 public observatories with engagements and awareness in the field of astronomy is at an all-time high and ever increasing.

Image © Arena Berlin