Mobile Planetarium Debuts at Damascus Tech Expo 2026
The Syrian Astronomical Society launched an educational mobile planetarium on Friday at the Damascus Fairgrounds. The initiative, held as part of the second edition of the “International Technology and Innovation Expo 2026” (Tech Expo), coincides with World Space Week and aims to bolster scientific literacy and increase public awareness regarding space and astronomy.
According to the Society, this is the first planetarium of its kind in Syria from a technical perspective. Designed as a hemispherical structure, it can accommodate approximately 30 visitors per session. Mohammed Al-Asiri, head of the Syrian Astronomical Society, explained that the facility is equipped with a comprehensive spherical projection system and advanced visual simulation technologies. These features allow visitors to observe the night sky and stars in high resolution, bypassing the light pollution typically found in urban areas to provide an immersive experience of celestial bodies.
The planetarium is designed for all age groups, with a particular focus on children and youth. Its programming includes scientific film screenings and interactive presentations on the movement of planets, constellations, and star clusters. Al-Asiri further noted that the planetarium can be linked to external telescopes to broadcast live astronomical observations directly inside the dome, facilitating practical engagement with space science.
In a related development, the Society recently participated in the “Unified Arab Observation of Saturn,” an event sponsored by the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences and the International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Education. Astronomers and enthusiasts from approximately eight Arab countries took part in the event via a unified live broadcast. The initiative highlighted changes in the viewing angle of Saturn’s rings caused by the “ring-plane crossing” phenomenon, which occurs as the planet orbits the Sun.
Sarah Al-Badira, a member of the Society, stated that their pavilion at the expo offers more than just planetarium shows. It also features an exhibition detailing the history and evolution of astronomical observation tools, ranging from traditional astrolabes to modern telescopes. Additionally, the pavilion displays astronomical photography of prominent nebulae and hosts various interactive scientific activities.
The International Technology and Innovation Expo 2026 began on Thursday with the participation of over 120 local and international companies. The event runs until October 11, with daily hours for the public from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, providing a platform to integrate technology with foundational sciences.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
