June 1 was a special day for residents of Dnipro for more than just the start of summer. Planetarium Noosphere launched its new themed program, “New Horizons,” opening a fresh season of science outreach events, educational projects, interactive experiences, and multimedia updates.
The highlight of the event was the premiere of “Galactic Voyage,” a new full-dome film produced by the Planetarium. The film takes audiences on an exploration of the Solar System and the distant worlds of the Milky Way. Viewers embark on an exciting journey from Earth to the farthest reaches of our galaxy, discovering both familiar and lesser-known planets along the way.
Alongside the new film, Planetarium Noosphere introduced a new educational format: STEAM Workshops. These interactive sessions combine science, technology, engineering, arts, and creativity. Their main goal is to turn every participant into an explorer who discovers new knowledge through challenges, problem-solving, and hands-on experiences.
This summer also marks the return of the Planetarium’s Space Camp Astronomy School for the third year in a row. Reflecting the season’s overall theme, this year’s program is also called “New Horizons.” The school will feature four interactive sessions focused on humanity’s quest to push beyond known boundaries — from the first space missions to the search for other worlds and the messages humans have sent to potential extraterrestrial civilizations.
In addition to educational programs, the summer season will introduce an experimental new format called Space Relax. These immersive sessions are designed to support mental well-being in the Planetarium’s star hall, helping participants reconnect with their emotions, expand their perception, and enter a meditative state. Guided by breathtaking journeys through some of the galaxy’s most distant and beautiful regions, visitors are invited to explore not only the universe, but also themselves.
To celebrate the launch of the new season, Planetarium Noosphere hosted a festive event for its guests. Along with the premiere screening of Galactic Voyage, children took part in “A Galactic Journey into Summer,” an educational and interactive program. In the Planetarium’s outdoor area, young visitors created water paintings using the traditional ebru technique, joined a space-themed quiz, drew with chalk on the pavement, and explored the mysteries of the Universe through fun activities.
Combining astronomy with creativity is one of the core principles of STEAM education, which emphasizes engaging learning experiences, interdisciplinary projects, and hands-on activities. Exploring the world, studying stars and planets through modern technology, and participating in exciting workshops gives children a unique opportunity to develop a passion for astronomy, deepen their understanding of the field, and perhaps even find inspiration for a future in science.
