Not many know that there is a planetarium in Qatar which is a perfect blend of education and entertainment. The most astounding feature about the planetarium is that the visitors can enter pennilessly! Isn't that amazing? If you are a student, or an adult who likes to explore random places, or a keen astronomy enthusiast this place is surely worth a visit. The Al Thuraya planetarium will take you on to a journey around the universe. Lets dive deeper and explore more about the firs ever planetarium in Katara Village.
Al Thuraya Planetarium Background
The planetarium Al Thuraya is named after a Pleiades star cluster which has been followed by the Arabs from an ancient time. The cluster also known as the seven sisters is visible from any part of the earth. During winters in Northern hemisphere Pleiades is a very prominent sight. Al Thuraya is an innovative high-tech space in the Katara cultural village. The objective behind the establishment was Katara's keenness to foster education and broaden the knowledge spectrum of students and adults in distinctive fields of culture and science.
Special Features Of Al Thuraya Planetarium
- The Al Thuraya Planetarium was inaugurated in the year 2018, which coincided with Qatar National Day.
- The total area of the planetarium is 2,240 sqm with a seating capacity of 200 people. Additional four seats are reserved for disabled and 4 for elderly people.
- It features a 22-meter screen, equipped with hi-tech digital projectors showing for 2D and 3D screenings
- The events and activities are conducted on terrace, overlooking a gigantic sea.
- The ceiling of the planetarium is a full-dome digital system, and the digitizers include amazing tools to project 3D illustrations and operate the dome screen.
- Earth science is the most highlighted topic which is further categorized into different categories such as astronomy, Geology, ocean and Atmosphere.
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The Split Moon
The Al Thuraya planetarium represents astronomical events, planet models in various sizes, and historical events such as the splitting of moon during the era of Prophet Mohommed (peace be upon him). The split moon is the most talked about feature of the planetarium and the Museum. There are various amusing models of heavenly bodies. Visitors can get an astute opportunity to explore the history of NASA space suits while getting a very closer look at space the equipment used by astronauts. If you want, you can check your weight on different planets.
The Gallery
Apart from the most famous, the split moon, gallery of Al Thuraya displays space shuttles, space suits and other scientific information to incur the interest of the Young learning in broadening the knowledge. The visitors get to know about astronomy, geology, atmosphere, weather, and more. A visit around the Al Thuraya gallery generally takes less than 60-70 minutes given to the small size of the museum,
Suggested Read: Qatar National Museum: The Story Of The Desert Rose For Tourists To Discover
The Planetarium Shows
Beside the main exhibition space, visitors can watch show at the 2d/3d dome of the planetarium. The show is absolutely free, so the enthusiast can enjoy an educational journey without any financial burden. Th full-dome digital system renders an out of the world experience to the visitors featuring a 22 m screen. The shows are available in English and Arabic thus, it doesn’t solely cater to the local audience but also provides equal opportunities to the excursionist visiting Al Thuraya. Resultantly Al Thuraya is all set to become one of the most famous Tourist attractions in Qatar.
Some of the shows that people of all ages can watch include
- The Stars
- The Zula Patrol Show
- Perfect Little Planet.
How To Reach Al Thuraya
Al Thuraya is an integral part of the Katara cultural village. It can be reached by local public transport or private vehicle. To reach the planetarium, booking a taxi till west Bay Lagoon is more convenient. Once you reach the Lagoon it is easier to locate Al Thuraya in building 41.
Al Thuraya Planetarium timing: 10 am to 10 pm as per Katara (will reopen on July 26, 2021)
Things To Do Near Al Thuraya Planetarium
The Al Thuraya Planetarium is not big enough to consume your entire day. The Katara cultural village has plethora of options to utilize the time after your visit to Al thuraya.
Visit The Katara Mosque
The mosque is constructed by the first female architect. The design incorporates Persian and Turkish tiles in blue and gold. The contrast, complements the surrounding of the mosque in a soothing way altogether.
Suggested Read: Mosques In Qatar Will Connect You Spiritually To The Culture, History And Genius Artwork!
Explore The Amphitheatre
Visitors can explore the Greek style amphitheater reflecting Islamic tradition and culture through its architecture. It offers a visual treat on its either side, the expanded view of sea on one side and the cultural village on the other.
Discover 21 High Street
21 High-street is a luxe French department store is an iconic store. The 21 high street store has an outdoor cooling system for comfort throughout the year. Many of the cafes offer an al fresco dining experience for the visitors.
Visit Attractive Beaches
The spacious beaches at Katara are always welcoming the visitors. It’s soothing ambience is ready to embrace you and brighten up your day with the glistening sand and sparkling water.
Suggested Read: Beaches In Qatar To Escape The Heat And Humidity
A Stroll At The Katara Hills
The Katara hill is located to the north and south of the Katara village. The walking track are laden with lush landscaping, water featuring and walking tracks lets the picknickers enjoy an amazing natural view atop the hills.
Explore The Local Cuisines
Katara is a home for Doha’s most famous eating joints. Visitors get numerous options to choose their favorite cuisine from. Here is the list of few pick that you might enjoy.
- Mamig (Lebanon)
- Ard Canaan (Syria)
- Sukar Pasha (Turkey)
- Saffron Lounge (India)
If you are searching for places to visit in Qatar, then Al Thuraya is the place that can satiate you with the edutainment it is famous for. Visit the planetarium and get a digital experience of the full dome digital system. Explore the heavenly bodies and lose yourself in the outer space. For realistic experience, do not forget to stop by the Al Thuraya Planetarium in Katara Village. If you have already visited the Planetarium then share your experience in the comment section below, and if you haven't then plan a visit soon.
Al Thuraya Planetarium - FAQs
Qatar which is a perfect blend of education and entertainment. It features a 22-meter screen, equipped with hi-tech digital projectors showing for 2D and 3D screenings. Al Thuraya is an innovative Hightech space in the Katara village culture. The objective behind the establishment was Katara's keenness to foster education and broaden the knowledge spectrum of students and adults in distinctive fields of culture and science
Al Thuraya is located at Katara Village culture, building 41.
It can be reached by local public transport or private vehicle. The reach the planetarium, booking a taxi till west Bay Lagoon is more convenient. Once you reach the Lagoon it is easier to locate Al Thuraya in building 41.
The Al Thuraya Planetarium was inaugurated in December 2018, which around Qatar National Day.
Some of the shows that people of all ages can watch include :
The Stars
The Zula Patrol Show
Perfect Little Planet.
Seating capacity of 200 people. Additional four seats are reserved for disabled and 4 for elderly people.
Few of the places to visit in Katara cultural village are
Katara mosque
Ampitheatre
21 High Street
Attractive beaches
Katara Hills
