Jakarta Planetarium and Observatory (Planetarium dan Obsevatorium Jakarta) is a public planetarium and observatory which is also a part of the Taman Ismail Marzuki in Jakarta. Jakarta Planetarium and Observatory is the oldest of three planetariums in Indonesia which one located in Surabaya, East Java and another one in Kutai, East Kalimantan.
The planetarium was officially opened in 1969 as an exhibition center for meteorology, physics, space science and astronomy. This observatory center has since become one of the most favorite places for Jakartans and tourists to spend time, especially with kids as an alternative to mall hopping. It is also a great place for those who love all things about outer spaces, the stars and the galaxy.
Jakarta Planetarium and Observatory has three main facilities: the observatory, Teater Bintang, and exhibition hall.
The Observatories
Visitors can observe the space and its objects using telescopes in the observatory room. The observatory has dome-shaped roof that can be opened and rotating horizontally. There are total 3 observatories in Jakarta Planetarium that can be used for observation, both visually and by camera. Unfortunately the light pollution in Jakarta makes observation quite a challenge.
On the front building in Jakarta Planetarium complex, you can go to the observatory that is located on the topmost floor. The observatory is equipped with ASKO telescope, a 31 cm diameter Cassegrainian reflector (with mirror). This is one of the oldest telescopes in Jakarta Planetarium, so it is not surprising that it can only be operated manually. However its optical performance is still good and it is often used as learning facility.
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In the middle building, also on the topmost floor, there is an observatory with Takahashi telescope. Takahashi telescope is a kind of Newtonian reflector with 16 cm diameter. Like ASKO telescope, Takahashi is also operated manually. However its size is smaller than ASKO so itโs easier to use. At the 4-floor tower of Jakarta Planetarium, there is also an observatory equipped with Coude telescope, a refractor with 15 cm diameter (with lens).
Other than telescopes in observatories, there are other 10 portable telescopes that can be located at preferred observation location.
Teater Bintang
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Jakarta Planetarium also offers a program with Astronomy and Solar System themes for visitors. The show about Astronomy delivers the concept of universe and things on the outer space. All is packed in a 60-minute length video with narration. Visitors can learn more about stars, the sun, the moon, and the planets through the Solar System shows.
Exhibition Hall
The planetarium building at Jakarta Planetarium complex consists as 2 floors. The Teater Bintang (theater) is located on the second floor, while the exhibition hall is located on the ground floor.
In the exhibition hall, there are various space diorama and mini theater to show Astronomy videos. The pictures of the galaxy, stars, planets, and other outer space objects are also located in the main exhibition hall. Inside the hall, there is a hallway where paintings about Zodiac and other Astronomy photographs are displayed.
Other announcements, ticket fees, etc
- Teater Bintang is now closed temporarily due to maintenance until further notice.
- This month there is a free sun observation program that is opened for public every Tuesday to Friday at 09.30, 11.00, and 13.30 WIB.
- Entry fee for kids (2 โ 12 years) is Rp7,000/person, and for 13 years and older is Rp12,000. This fee is applied for individual visitors.
- The ticket price for group of student visitors (minimum 100 persons) is Rp5,000/person. For non-students and public it is Rp10,000/person.
JAKARTA PLANETARIUM AND OBSERVATORY
Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jalan Cikini Raya No 73, Central Jakarta 10330
Phone 021-2305147
