# planetarium

/ˌpɫænəˈtɛɹiəm/ (US) · /plˌænɪtˈeəɹiəm/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/planetarium
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a building with a large dome that shows a model of the stars and planets. It uses special lights to make the ceiling look like the night sky.

For teachers: a theatre or building with a large dome used for the projection of stars and planets to simulate the night sky. Often used for educational or entertainment purposes.

## Examples

- We visited the planetarium to see the stars.
- The local planetarium offers a daily show that explains the movements of the planets in our solar system.
- Modern digital planetariums use high-resolution projectors to create immersive simulations of the cosmos, allowing researchers to visualize data from deep-space telescopes in real time.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.