Cuenca’s new planetarium in Parque de la Madre is drawing big crowds

Through mid-January, more than 25,000 have visited the new planetarium that opened in November in Parque de la Madre, according to educational director Paúl Tenesaca. Most of the visitors have been school children who observe stars and planets on the planetarium’s domed ceiling and watch educational videos. The student visits typically last 30 to 40 minute.

Visits to the planetarium continue to be free but Tenesaca says that a small entry fee will soon be required.

The planetarium is planning a series of educational events each Thursday. The first, according to Tenesaca will be a lecture by an astrophysicist January 30. The planetarium is also planning to offer a series of out-of-town star watching tours.

The planetarium is open Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from10 a.m. till noon and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. It is closed Mondays for maintenance.