A digital planetarium was officially opened in the old Lamont-Hussey Observatory building on Naval Hill in Bloemfontein, Free State, on Friday, SABC News reported.
According to the report, the planetarium features a state-of the-art projector system and is the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa.
Free State MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Msebenzi Zwane, was quoted as saying the planetarium would enhance tourism to the area. “Our tourists will be here and see the beauty of science and technology.”
The planetarium is the first component of a proposed Centre for Earth and Space in the Mangaung Metro Municipality. According to Zwane, the next phases would see the addition of a museum and restaurant.
The project is the result of a partnership between the Mangaung Metro Municipality, the Free State Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, the University of the Free State and the national Department of Science and Technology.
