The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, invites the public to “NARIT AstroFest 2026,” Thailand’s largest astronomy festival, to be held on National Children’s Day, Saturday 10 January 2026. The event will take place simultaneously at five locations nationwide: the Sirindhorn Astronomical Park in Chiang Mai and regional observatories in Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Chachoengsao, and Songkhla. Activities run from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with free admission.
Visitors can enjoy a full day of hands-on astronomy activities, exhibitions, planetarium shows, and family-friendly science programs, followed by night-time stargazing. This year’s highlight is the rare astronomical phenomenon of Jupiter appearing closest to Earth, making it exceptionally bright and ideal for observing its cloud bands and Galilean moons through professional telescopes.
Each venue offers unique programs, including open-house tours of advanced astronomy and space technology laboratories, satellite and lunar mission showcases, science shows, creative workshops, special talks, and astronomy-themed markets. Evening activities include telescope observations, glow-in-the-dark installations, live music, and interactive games. NARIT AstroFest 2026 aims to inspire curiosity, spark imagination, and bring astronomy closer to children, families, and the general public across Thailand.
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