Modernized National Planetarium, first in Asia, opens free today

The National Planetarium inaugurated its new facilities today, Friday, March 24, according to a report on GMA News TV's Unang Balita.

The Planetarium features a hybrid analog-digital projector system that is touted as the first of its kind in Asia.

According to former curator Maximo Jun Sacro, Jr., the facility's vintage analog system provides a wider field of view than more modern systems, which is complemented by the finer details projected by the newer digital system.

"Parang kang talagang nasa open field," he said.

Beginning today until April 30, the Planetarium is open to the public free of charge—an incentive which Sacro hopes kids will take advantage of this summer.

"Libre na ang National Museum, pati ang Planetarium, so samantalahin na nila," he encouraged.

The National Planetarium first opened its doors to the public in 1975, after then-director of the National Museum, Godofredo Alcasid, Sr., agreed to put up the facility at the behest of the Philippine Astronomical Society on a budget of $100,000 from the Japanese Reparation Program.

The National Planetarium is located in Rizal Park, Manila.

 — GMA News