7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary Regional Observatory, Nakhon Ratchasima (NARIT Regional Observatory)

History & Significance

The Cabinet approved the construction of five regional observatories on March 24, 2009, under the management of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), Ministry of Science and Technology. On June 2, 2009, an agreement was signed with Suranaree University of Technology to establish the Nakhon Ratchasima site. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn laid the foundation stone on October 14, 2009, and officially inaugurated the facility on November 16, 2014, making it Thailand's first full-scale regional public observatory.

Highlights & What to See

The observatory complex spans 25 rai and includes several key facilities:

• Planetarium & Exhibition Building: Features a 10-meter diameter dome with 44 seats and a 25-megapixel full-dome digital projector. It presents astronomical movies and planetarium shows. The exhibition section offers 14 interactive learning zones covering astronomy topics.
• Observatory Building: A two-story structure featuring an 18-foot fiberglass clamshell dome that opens 180 degrees. Inside is a main 0.7-meter reflecting telescope. Adjacent to it is a stargazing terrace with an electrically operated sliding roof (6 meters wide by 20 meters long), housing two 14-inch telescopes, two 6-inch telescopes, and one solar telescope.
• Outdoor Learning Area: Open-air space designed for educational astronomical activities.

Visitor Information

The observatory is open Tuesday through Sunday from 08:30 to 16:30 (closed on Mondays). Admission fees for the planetarium exhibition are 50 THB for adults and 30 THB for children.

Planetarium shows are scheduled twice daily at 11:00 and between 15:00 and 16:00, with an additional special show on Saturdays at 17:00. Stargazing activities and public astronomical events are also hosted regularly.

How to Get There

The facility is situated on a 25-rai plot inside Suranaree University of Technology, Suranaree Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province (Coordinates: 14.874570, 102.028380).