Johannesburg Planetarium, Johannesburg

The Johannesburg Planetarium is situated on the East Campus of the University of the Witwatersrand in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. It holds the distinction of being the first full-sized planetarium in Africa and the second in the southern hemisphere.

In 1956, during Johannesburg's seventieth anniversary preparations, the Festival Committee aimed to create a planetarium. To expedite the process, they decided to buy a used planetarium projector from Europe instead of acquiring a new one due to time constraints.

Following further negotiations, the projector was sold to the University of the Witwatersrand. It was intended for both academic purposes, serving as an instructional tool for students, and as a public facility. Plans for a new structure to house the projector were devised in 1958, and construction commenced in 1959. The planetarium was officially inaugurated on October 12, 1960.

The Johannesburg Planetarium frequently serves as a resource for the media and the general public, aiding in the explanation of unusual celestial events over South Africa. In 2010, the planetarium celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its history.

The planetarium is a popular destination, attracting thousands of visitors, especially children. Inside, you can explore the Milky Way, constellations, galaxies, stars, the moon's movements, and Earth's place in the universe. Regular shows offer a captivating hour-long experience, with a simulated sky filled with twinkling stars, open to the public, school groups, and organized visitors. They reveal the universe's secrets and its vastness, millions of light years away.