planetarium
UK: ˌplænɪˈteəriəm | US: ˌplænɪˈteriəm
n. a building or room with a domed ceiling onto which images of stars, planets, and other celestial objects are projected for educational or entertainment purposes
n. a mechanical model of the solar system, often an orrery
planetarium = planet<wandering celestial body> + arium<place for>
- planet: From Greek planētēs (wanderer), referring to celestial bodies that "wander" relative to fixed stars.
- arium: A Latin suffix denoting a place or container (e.g., aquarium for water, solarium for sun).
Etymology Origin:
The word planetarium combines planet (reflecting ancient observations of planets' irregular motions) with -arium, a Latin suffix for designated spaces. Originally coined in Modern Latin (18th century), it evolved to describe both mechanical models and immersive projection theaters simulating the cosmos. The term captures humanity's enduring fascination with mapping celestial movements.
The school trip included a visit to the planetarium to learn about constellations.
This antique planetarium accurately displays the orbits of the inner planets.
The new planetarium features a state-of-the-art digital projection system.
Children gazed in awe as the planetarium’s dome revealed a meteor shower.
The museum’s planetarium offers nightly shows during the summer.