4. Regional Observatory for the Public, Songkhla is Thailand’s third full-scale regional observatory open to the public. It is a public and educational institution astronomy learning center that supports academic services to communities as well as teaching and learning in educational institutions. It is a major astronomy learning center in the South, as well as a comprehensive Muslim astronomy learning center.
This observatory is located in Khao Rup Chang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Songkhla Province, with a clear view of Songkhla. With an opening angle of more than 270 degrees, it is ideal for stargazing, astronomy, and is a good viewpoint for the surroundings, making it yet another educational attraction in Songkhla Province.
The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) (NARIT)has built a knowledge exhibition in the exhibition area of the Administration Building of the Regional Observatory, which is presented in the form of electronic multimedia interactive media. There are 14 learning activity zones in total, including an exhibition on seasons and the earth's orbit around the sun, an exhibition on tide phenomena, an exhibition on observing constellations in the sky, an exhibition on planetary scales in the solar system, and the Mars Reconnaissance Exhibit.
Planetarium: The full-dome digital star projector at the Songkhla Regional Public Observatory has a resolution of 25 million pixels, and the diameter of the dome is 10 meters. Inspiring and engaging for those interested in astronomy and technology, this theater has 52 seats and runs its shows for an hour at a time. Each showing features a lecture on some aspect of astronomy delivered by one of the institute’s information officers, as well as a documentary on some aspect of contemporary astronomy. It is open from Tuesday to Friday for two showings at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Saturday for three showings at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m., and on Sunday for two showings at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; admission is 50 baht for the general public and 30 baht for students.
Observatory Building: This is a sliding-roof building with six telescopes installed to support provision of both practical and theoretical astronomy data services. Laser weather monitoring (LiDAR) instruments are installed around the building's sloping roof to measure and research atmospheric science by gathering data on the sky, the weather, and the wind speed.
The fiberglass shell-shaped dome, which measures 18 feet in diameter, rotates fully to provide a panoramic view of the sky. Inside, you’ll find a reflecting telescope, planetary camera, and spectrograph, all of which can be used to record data and take pictures of significant astronomical events.
Public Night activities at the Regional Observatory for the Public are held every Saturday from 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., during which time telescopes are set up to observe celestial objects of varying diameters, lectures are given to educate beginners on the basics of astronomy, and astronomy games are played by interested groups.
Those interested in visiting can ask for more information at
Regional Observatory for Public, Songkhla, 79/4 Moo 4, Khao Rup Chang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Songkhla Province, 90000.
Tel: +66 7430 0868
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ROPSongkhla/
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