Nicolaus-Copernikus-Planetarium Nürnberg: Astronomie und Kultur
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

  Bildungszentrum der Stadt Nürnberg

 

 
 
  Frequently asked questions about the planetarium
 
 

What is a planetarium?

The planetarium is a sky simulator. It can recreate an artificial sky on a huge dome-shaped ceiling. Sophisticated equipment is used to present virtual voyages through space and time. All presentations take place in the air-conditioned sky-theater on the upper floor of the building.

What can I see in the planetarium?

There are several types of planetarium programs:
Astronomy shows with explanations of the night sky and information on space research.
Public science lectures on various topics related to modern astrophysical reasearch, the history of science, or science in general.
Children shows for kids of 4 years and up. A fictional story is presented with relation to stars and space.
Cultural presentations with any other content, e.g. music, literature, performing arts, video cinema, etc.

When are public presentations?

Regular presentations in German language are:

  • each Wednesday 15:00 and 16:30 (= 3 p.m. and 4.30 p.m.): Children Show
  • each Thursday 18:00 (= 6 p.m.) and 20:00 (= 8 p.m.) Astronomy Show
  • each Saturday and Sunday 15:00 and 16:30 (= 3 p.m. and 4.30 p.m.) Children Show and 18:00 (= 6 p.m.) Astronomy Show

Public science lectures and cultural presentations are scheduled on individual dates, in general on Tuesday od Wednesdays evening. Please refer to the show calendar with a listing of all public presentations.

How long do the presentations last?

The shows are running about 45 to 50 minutes. Science lectures and cultural presentations may vary in length, typically from 60 to 90 minutes.

When does it open and how much does it cost?

The planetarium building opens one hour before each presentation. Ticket prices depend on type of presentation:

  • Astronomy shows, Music shows and Children shows: € 8.00 to € 9.50 adults, € 5.50 to € 6.00 reduced rate for young people under 18 years of age.
  • Public science lectures: € 8.00 adults, € 5.50 for students.
  • Cultural presentations have various prices depending on type and length.

Are there any shows in English language?

There are presentations in English once a month on Thursday evening. Please refer to our time table for details.

Are there any further regulations?

No smoking is allowed anywhere in the building. You may eat, drink and take pictures in the lobby. But food, drinks and laser pointers are not allowed in the sky-theater. For the personal comfort of our visitors, we kindly ask you to refrain from flashlight photography and use of cellular phones in the dome while the show is in progress.

Are there facilities for physically disabled persons?

The lobby is fully accessible by wheelchairs. We have a dedicated restroom for disabled persons. The dome chamber has a limited capacity for wheelchairs and is easily accessible through an elevator. Our staff will provide you with assistance if necessary.

Is there something more to see?

There is a cafeteria with gift shop and small exhibition area in the lobby. No tickets are necessary to enter the lobby.

Can I observe the stars through telescopes?

The planetarium is not an observatory. No telescopes for sky watching are available here. If you want to make observations through telescopes, we recommend a visit of the Nuremberg public observatory „Regiomontanus Sternwarte“, located on the Rechenberg hill at the north-eastern part of the city. Some 10 minutes to walk from the subway station „Schoppershof“. Use subway lines U 2 and U 21 heading for Airport or Ziegelstein, respectively. Public sky watching evenings at the observatory are each Friday and Saturday:

January and February: 19:00 – 20:00 (7 – 8 p.m.)
March: 20:00 – 21:00 (8 – 9 p.m.)
April: 21:00 –22:00 (9 – 10 p.m.)
May – August: 22:00 – 23:00 (10 – 11 p.m.)
September: 21:00 – 22:00 (9 – 10 p.m.)
October: 20:00 – 21:00 (8 – 9 p.m.)
November and December: 19:00 - 20:00 (7 – 8 p.m.)

Please note that skywatching depends on weather conditions. The observatory remains closed on cloudy nights. For further information refer to the observatory's website http://www.sternwarte-nuernberg.de.

 

 
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