Europlanétarium Genk

Europlanétarium Genk is a astronomical Observatoire and a Planétarium with Genk, Belgium.

How that started

Lode Vanhoutte de Genk began the Jeunes Scientists for Genk the unloading following the example of on the Moon. They made popular scientific work. Many the subjects were treated, but astronomy proved to be most interesting and they found a base with Association For Astronomy (APA). The astronomical observatories of Grimbergen and Hove knew already an operation of several years at this time. The APA and especially Armand Pien (former Mr Météo) suggested developing a complete astronomical observatory in each Flemish province and one thought of Genk for Limbourg. Initially there would be a small astronomical observatory with only one ground floor, but the plans were increasingly larger.

Concrete plans

In 1977 one started with the promotion of the astronomical observatory. Then the idea of a small observatory was transformed of a project of large scale with a professional aspect. In 1979 one started with a course of general astronomy for beginners, while an small group of members dealt with the side of the businesses of the foundation.

The new plans of the astronomical observatory to build contained a building cupola and a place of exposure. Proper space cupola and telescope would be 5 meters in top of the ground floor. This space is square contrary to the traditional astronomical observatories. One decided to build the cupola oneself to limit the expenditure and to maintain a good relationship with the commune.

Opening

1983 would be the year of completion. Out of the cupola builds oneself also most of interior installation was carried out by active members of the astronomical observatory. The final opening was in 1984.

With the official startup the July 9th 1988 of Géorama, the geological garden with Kattevennen, a link of value to the chain of the attractive elements was added that made this `common picturesque' to a center of attraction of Limbourg par excellence. Géorama is really a single and instructive project. A scientific image of 570 years million of geological history are reproduced in an extremely pleasant way and this in a manner which can fascinate and be with the taste of the specialist, the student or visitors fortuitous.

Planetarium

Considering the precarious economic problems of the mine field and the need to develop a durable tourist infrastructure one thought of adding a planetarium annexes the existing astronomical observatory. The enlarging of a planetarium with Genk indeed made it possible to attract visitors of all Eurégion and to give instead of pleasure `Kattevennen' this radiation which it continued and deserved. The tourist principal character of the planetarium project for the area belongs to the reconversion of the mine field of the east.

The enlarging of a planetarium close to an astronomical observatory elaborate good is a logical extension because a planetarium can show the starry sky by ideal circumstances (released), the day like the night. The movements of several stars can be accelerated to show astronomical concepts.

There were 3 partners for construction: the EEC (50%), the General police station for Flemish Tourism (40%) and the municipality of Genk (10%). The EEC accepted this project in 1987 already. There were two files prepared for the instrument of planetarium and construction. The architect Jos Hanssen made a preliminary draft and later a final draft for an amount of €450 000.

All the projects could not continue because the amount rose finally with €600 000. The upper floor was not placed and was regarded as an option for the future. The additional space secretariat, audience and toilets were not envisaged either. It was waited until all would be finished at the end of 1990 and that the most modern planetarium of the Benelux countries could open its doors. At the end of 1989 one spent at least 20% of the amount subsidized for the planetarium project. One started with the construction of the planetarium. It had decided there to acquire of East Germany the planetarium of intermediate size SPACEMASTER and a cupola with a diameter of 12,5m.

The construction and the installation of the instrument clearly needed more than time than awaited in such a way that not 1990 but 1991 would be the year of opening. The installation of the instrument was a fact in January 1991. The costs of completion were evaluated with €125 000 because of the expenses of construction which always accumulate.

One started with spectacles of test for various groups, it did not have yet armchairs there. In December 1991 one finally placed the 90 armchairs and one supplemented wiring for sound. Also the completion of outside was made meanwhile. One placed plantation and bricks cooked to make the accessible and attractive planetarium. The host Armand Pien could declared the planetarium open with worms 200 guests Friday evening December 20th.

Until May 1992 there were continuously spectacles on line because the installation supplements was still not there. Seven monitors gave each time a spectacle of planetarium with different topics. After the delivery of the installation it was the intention to extend the projections automated but with the possibility of still always making spectacles on line. The schools appreciated that enormously because there was many Cosmologie in the school program and they went in Europlanétarium with questions and tasks.

Extension

In 1993 one gave the impulse to a serious extension of the audio-visual possibilities of the planetarium and also the construction of an audience and offices. The Path of the planets which joins together Europlanétarium with the neighbouring natural park was carried out in 1995.

The laser was brought into service in 1998 together with the new spectacle of planetarium `Mars, return to red planet'. As awaited the visitors were impressed by the possibilities of such a laser. The installation lasted surroundings 5 months.

The astronomical observatory of Limbourg is also an institutional member of International Planetary Society.

Future

As of 2007 Kattevennen will be a main door of the largest natural park of the Flanders, `Hoge Kempen'. Europlanétarium will occupy the foreground here. There will be a new general-purpose building with a new reception center, new equipment of restoration, meeting room, place of additional exposure and a splendid infrastructure of reception general-purpose. The building will be also literally really carries, because that will be transversely the existing way and the cyclists or walkers can go there under.

Bonds

(Dutch Official site)

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