The Sharjah Space and Astronomy Hub (SSAH) is expanding its reach as a leading destination for scientific culture and astronomical learning, launching three new planetarium shows in August that will raise the total number of presentations at the Sharjah Planetarium to 28. The move is part of SSAH’s ongoing efforts to develop its scientific content and offer innovative educational and entertainment experiences that inspire people of all ages to explore space and astronomy.

The new offerings include “Explore Space and Astronomy,” a film that takes audiences on a captivating journey through the history of space exploration. The show traces humanity’s ambition to reach Mars and highlights the landmark achievements that have defined the space age, blending storytelling with vivid visuals to bring decades of scientific endeavor to life.

Another program, “Lights of the Aurora Borealis,” gives visitors a front-row seat to one of Earth’s most spectacular natural phenomena. Using real footage captured under the skies of the Arctic and presented through the world’s first real-time virtual reality dome show in 4K, the film immerses viewers in the colors and motion of the northern lights while explaining the science behind the aurora in a richly visual experience.

The third show, “An Amazing Adventure through the Solar System,” takes visitors on an extraordinary tour of the planets, from the blistering surface of Mercury to the distant icy worlds beyond Pluto. Along the way, audiences encounter the diverse bodies found in the solar system and gain a deeper appreciation of Earth’s place and significance among these varied worlds.

Fatma Mohammed Al Khateri, director of the Sharjah Planetarium, said the launch of the new shows reflects the hub’s commitment to offering interactive scientific content that combines scientific and academic rigor with visual impact and helps make space and astronomy concepts accessible to all segments of society in creative ways. She said the programs use the latest projection technologies inside the dome to deliver immersive experiences that transform astronomical concepts into interactive exploratory journeys suitable for everyone.

Al Khateri added that the shows are designed to inspire visitors, especially children and young people, to delve into the mysteries of the universe and nurture their passion for space science and astronomy, reinforcing Sharjah’s role as a center for scientific learning and discovery.