noun
planetarium
plan-ih-TAIR-ee-uhm/ˌplænɪˈteriəm/
A theater with a dome displaying a simulated night sky.
Visitors recline beneath the planetarium dome as projected stars shine overhead.
Etymology
Despite its “place for planets” formation, the word first named a machine representing planetary motions. It later named a sky-projection device, connecting the modern room with an artificial display of the heavens.
In context
presenting science shows in the planetarium and doing like science demonstrations
More examples
- Our class visits the planetarium to learn about constellations.
- The planetarium offers a guided tour of tonight's sky.
- Even on cloudy days, planetariums can display a star-filled sky.
Forms
planetarium · planetariums · planetaria
Similar words
- theater
- A broader term for venues presenting performances or screenings.
- auditorium
- An audience space that need not display a simulated sky.