{ "version": 1, "generated_from": "stella_observatory_education_centers_country_expansion.xlsx", "generated_at": "2026-06-23", "labels": { "database": "Observatory Education Center", "collection": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center" }, "counts": { "centers": 64, "map_visible": 20, "needs_curated_coordinates": 44 }, "centers": [ { "id": "la_plata_observatory_and_museum", "name": "La Plata Observatory and Museum", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Argentina", "country_code": "AR", "city_region": "La Plata, Buenos Aires Province", "primary_stella_category": "Heritage Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Heritage Observatory Museum", "education_center_type_source": "Heritage Observatory Museum", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", 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"needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "perth_observatory", "name": "Perth Observatory", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Australia", "country_code": "AU", "city_region": "Bickley, Western Australia", "primary_stella_category": "Public Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Heritage Observatory Museum", "education_center_type_source": "Heritage Observatory Education Center", "education_strength": "Flagship", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Open / Booking", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 4, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 4.0, "notes": "Museum and historic observatory with school excursions, children’s workshops, tours, 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"Research Observatory Visitor Center", "education_center_type_source": "Research Observatory Visitor Center", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "unknown", "public_observing": "none", "public_access": "Open / Limited", "qualifies": "Conditional", "qualification_feature_count": 1, "verification_status": "Verify Current Programs", "education_feature_score": 2.0, "notes": "Major research-observatory anchor with visitor access; verify the depth of recurring education and group programs before applying a full badge.", "primary_audience": "Public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum" ], "current_access_caveat": "Verify Current Programs", "source_urls": [ "https://www.sidingspringobservatory.com.au/" ], "source_type": "Official observatory", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", 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"Verify Access Caveats", "education_feature_score": 4.0, "notes": "Historic scientific site with exhibitions, astronomy interpretation, and telescope tours; note any conservation-related access limitations.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "School or youth programs", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": "Verify Access Caveats", "source_urls": [ "https://powerhouse.com.au/visit/sydney-observatory", "https://powerhouse.com.au/program/sydney-observatory-tours" ], "source_type": "Official museum", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "harry_bayley_observatory", "name": "Harry Bayley Observatory", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Barbados", "country_code": "BB", "city_region": "Bridgetown area", "primary_stella_category": "Public Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Full Public Science Center", "education_center_type_source": "Public Observatory Education Center", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "unknown", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Open / Booking", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 2, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 3.0, "notes": "Public observatory with observing activities, astronomy courses, and school-visit programming.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "School or youth programs", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://hbo.bb/hbo/", "https://hbo.bb/hbo/index.php/activities/" ], "source_type": "Official observatory", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "national_astronomical_observatory_of_tarija", "name": "National Astronomical Observatory of Tarija", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Bolivia", "country_code": "BO", "city_region": "Santa Ana, Tarija", "primary_stella_category": "Public Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Observatory + Planetarium Center", "education_center_type_source": "Observatory + Planetarium Center", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "yes", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "occasional", "public_access": "Open / Booking", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 3, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 4.5, "notes": "National observatory with planetarium and public astronomy-education role; verify current public-night schedule before publishing.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "Planetarium or science theater", "School or youth programs", "Occasional public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://www.bo.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_02661.html" ], "source_type": "Government / diplomatic source", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "museum_of_astronomy_and_related_sciences_mast", "name": "Museum of Astronomy and Related Sciences (MAST)", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Brazil", "country_code": "BR", "city_region": "Rio de Janeiro", "primary_stella_category": "Science Museum / Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Heritage Observatory Museum", "education_center_type_source": "Heritage Observatory Science Center", "education_strength": "Flagship", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Open", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 3, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 4.0, "notes": "Science museum on a historic observatory campus with exhibitions, education, and a recurring public sky-observation program.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "School or youth programs", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://www.gov.br/mast/pt-br", "https://www.gov.br/pt-br/servicos/programa-de-observacao-do-ceu" ], "source_type": "Federal government museum", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "centre_of_the_universe", "name": "Centre of the Universe", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Canada", "country_code": "CA", "city_region": "Victoria, British Columbia", "primary_stella_category": "Professional Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Research Observatory Visitor Center", "education_center_type_source": "Research Observatory Visitor Center", "education_strength": "Flagship", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "yes", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Open / Events", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 4, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 5.0, "notes": "Visitor center at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory with telescope access, gallery, planetarium, star parties, and school programs.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "Planetarium or science theater", "School or youth programs", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://www.centreoftheuniverse.org/" ], "source_type": "Official visitor centre", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "david_dunlap_observatory", "name": "David Dunlap Observatory", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Canada", "country_code": "CA", "city_region": "Richmond Hill, Ontario", "primary_stella_category": "Heritage Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Heritage Observatory Museum", "education_center_type_source": "Heritage Observatory Education Center", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Booking", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 4, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 4.0, "notes": "Municipal education programs, telescope tours, public nights, and heritage interpretation around a major observatory.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "School or youth programs", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/learn-more/ddo-programs.aspx" ], "source_type": "Municipal government", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "mont_megantic_astrolab", "name": "Mont-Mégantic ASTROLab", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Canada", "country_code": "CA", "city_region": "Mont-Mégantic, Québec", "primary_stella_category": "Professional Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Research Observatory Visitor Center", "education_center_type_source": "Research Observatory Visitor Center", "education_strength": "Flagship", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "yes", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Open / Booking", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 5, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 5.0, "notes": "Astronomy activity center associated with a research observatory, including exhibits, tours, observing, and educational programming.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "Planetarium or science theater", "School or youth programs", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://www.omm-astro.ca/en/general-public/astrolab/", "https://www.astrolab.qc.ca/en/page-d-exemple/" ], "source_type": "Official observatory / visitor centre", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [ "Mont-Megantic Dark Sky Reserve", "Mont-Megantic Dark-Sky Lodges" ], "map_visible": true, "coordinate_status": "existing_stella_site" }, { "id": "alma_observatory_education_and_outreach", "name": "ALMA Observatory Education and Outreach", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Chile", "country_code": "CL", "city_region": "San Pedro de Atacama / Chajnantor", "primary_stella_category": "Professional Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Research Observatory Visitor Center", "education_center_type_source": "Research Observatory Visitor Center", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "none", "public_access": "Booking / Limited", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 2, "verification_status": "Verify Current Visitor Access", "education_feature_score": 3.0, "notes": "Major research observatory with formal education and outreach; public access is operationally sensitive and must be checked before promotion.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "School or youth programs" ], "current_access_caveat": "Verify Current Visitor Access", "source_urls": [ "https://www.almaobservatory.org/en/education-and-outreach-activities-for-the-general-public/" ], "source_type": "Official observatory", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "cerro_tololo_inter_american_observatory_public_visits", "name": "Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory Public Visits", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Chile", "country_code": "CL", "city_region": "Coquimbo Region", "primary_stella_category": "Professional Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Research Observatory Visitor Center", "education_center_type_source": "Research Observatory Visitor Center", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "none", "public_access": "Booking", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 2, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 3.0, "notes": "Working research campus with structured public visits and science outreach; public observing is not the core visitor experience.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "School or youth programs" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://noirlab.edu/public/visits/cerro-tololo-chile/" ], "source_type": "Official observatory", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [ "Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory" ], "map_visible": true, "coordinate_status": "existing_stella_site" }, { "id": "mamalluca_observatory", "name": "Mamalluca Observatory", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Chile", "country_code": "CL", "city_region": "Vicuña, Elqui Valley", "primary_stella_category": "Public Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Full Public Science Center", "education_center_type_source": "Public Observatory Education Center", "education_strength": "Flagship", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Booking", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 4, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 4.0, "notes": "Public astrotourism observatory with guided tours, educational talks, and telescope observing.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "School or youth programs", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://chile.travel/en/blog/astrotourism-in-chile-4-observatories-to-discover-the-night-sky/" ], "source_type": "Official national tourism", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [ "Casa Bonita Lodge / Mamalluca-region Inns" ], "map_visible": true, "coordinate_status": "existing_stella_site" }, { "id": "beijing_planetarium_beijing_ancient_observatory", "name": "Beijing Planetarium + Beijing Ancient Observatory", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "China", "country_code": "CN", "city_region": "Beijing", "primary_stella_category": "Heritage Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Heritage Observatory Museum", "education_center_type_source": "Heritage Observatory Museum", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "yes", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "none", "public_access": "Open", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 3, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 4.0, "notes": "The planetarium operates the historic observatory as a museum complex; ideal for the heritage-education subtype rather than live public observing.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "Planetarium or science theater", "School or youth programs" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://www.bjp.org.cn/en/", "https://www.bjp.org.cn/en/Beijing%20Ancient%20Observatory/Introduction/index.shtml" ], "source_type": "Official museum", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "shanghai_astronomy_museum", "name": "Shanghai Astronomy Museum", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "China", "country_code": "CN", "city_region": "Lingang, Shanghai", "primary_stella_category": "Science Museum / Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Full Public Science Center", "education_center_type_source": "Full Public Science Center", "education_strength": "Flagship", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "yes", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "occasional", "public_access": "Open", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 3, "verification_status": "Verify Current Programs", "education_feature_score": 4.5, "notes": "Large astronomy museum designed with an optical planetarium, solar telescope, observatory functions, exhibitions, and education spaces.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "Planetarium or science theater", "School or youth programs", "Occasional public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": "Verify Current Programs", "source_urls": [ "https://ennead.com/work/shanghai-astronomy-museum/" ], "source_type": "Architect / project documentation", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "national_astronomical_observatory_of_colombia", "name": "National Astronomical Observatory of Colombia", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Colombia", "country_code": "CO", "city_region": "Bogotá", "primary_stella_category": "Heritage Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Heritage Observatory Museum", "education_center_type_source": "Heritage Observatory Museum", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "yes", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "occasional", "public_access": "Booking", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 3, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 4.5, "notes": "Historic observatory plus university domes and guided visits; suitable as a heritage education center.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "Planetarium or science theater", "School or youth programs", "Occasional public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://ciencias.bogota.unal.edu.co/departamentos_e_institutos/observatorio_astronomico_nacional/" ], "source_type": "Official university", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "planetario_de_san_jose", "name": "Planetario de San José", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Costa Rica", "country_code": "CR", "city_region": "University of Costa Rica, San José", "primary_stella_category": "Science Museum / Camp Anchor", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Youth / School Observatory Campus", "education_center_type_source": "Astronomy Education Center (No Permanent Observatory)", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "no", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "yes", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "occasional", "public_access": "Open / Booking", "qualifies": "Alternative", "qualification_feature_count": 3, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 3.5, "notes": "Strong astronomy education and school programming, but should not receive the observatory badge without permanent telescope infrastructure.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent exhibits or museum", "Planetarium or science theater", "School or youth programs", "Occasional public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://www.planetario.ucr.ac.cr/" ], "source_type": "Official university planetarium", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "space_research_center_cinespa_university_of_costa_rica", "name": "Space Research Center (CINESPA), University of Costa Rica", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Costa Rica", "country_code": "CR", "city_region": "San José", "primary_stella_category": "Science Camp / Research Anchor", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Observatory Outreach Site", "education_center_type_source": "Observatory Outreach Site", "education_strength": "Outreach", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "unknown", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "no", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "occasional", "public_access": "Booking / Events", "qualifies": "Conditional", "qualification_feature_count": 2, "verification_status": "Verify Telescope Infrastructure", "education_feature_score": 1.5, "notes": "Teacher training, public workshops, night observation, and astronomy tours are strong, but a permanent public observatory center needs confirmation.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "School or youth programs", "Occasional public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": "Verify Telescope Infrastructure", "source_urls": [ "https://vinv.ucr.ac.cr/en/units/space-research-center-cinespa-its-acronym-spanish" ], "source_type": "Official university", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "quito_astronomical_observatory_and_museum", "name": "Quito Astronomical Observatory and Museum", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Ecuador", "country_code": "EC", "city_region": "Quito", "primary_stella_category": "Heritage Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Heritage Observatory Museum", "education_center_type_source": "Heritage Observatory Museum", "education_strength": "Flagship", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Open / Booking", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 4, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 4.0, "notes": "Historic observatory museum with tours, teacher resources, educational challenges, and scheduled night observations.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "School or youth programs", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://oaq.epn.edu.ec/", "https://oaq.epn.edu.ec/museo/index.php/horario-y-tarifas" ], "source_type": "Official university observatory", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "lakeuden_ursa_observatory", "name": "Lakeuden Ursa Observatory", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Finland", "country_code": "FI", "city_region": "Seinäjoki region", "primary_stella_category": "Public Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Full Public Science Center", "education_center_type_source": "Public Observatory Education Center", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "unknown", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Booking", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 2, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 3.0, "notes": "Guided astronomy experiences for visitors of varied ages; verify school curriculum products if Stella needs a stricter formal-education filter.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "School or youth programs", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://www.visitfinland.com/en/product/95490889-621d-4aae-9dc5-99efd6c4318a/lakeuden-ursa-observatory/" ], "source_type": "Official national tourism", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "ursa_kaivopuisto_observatory", "name": "Ursa Kaivopuisto Observatory", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Finland", "country_code": "FI", "city_region": "Helsinki", "primary_stella_category": "Heritage Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Observatory Outreach Site", "education_center_type_source": "Observatory Outreach Site", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "no", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "occasional", "public_access": "Events / Booking", "qualifies": "Conditional", "qualification_feature_count": 1, "verification_status": "Verify Current Schedule", "education_feature_score": 2.5, "notes": "Long-running public observatory and lecture/outreach base; current public observing calendar should be checked before launch.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "School or youth programs", "Occasional public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": "Verify Current Schedule", "source_urls": [ "https://www.ursa.fi/english.html" ], "source_type": "Official astronomy association", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "national_observatory_of_athens_thissio_visitor_center", "name": "National Observatory of Athens – Thissio Visitor Center", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Greece", "country_code": "GR", "city_region": "Athens", "primary_stella_category": "Heritage Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Heritage Observatory Museum", "education_center_type_source": "Heritage Observatory Museum", "education_strength": "Flagship", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Booking", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 4, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 4.0, "notes": "Historic observatory with museum interpretation, evening telescope tours, and education programming.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "School or youth programs", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://www.noa.gr/en/public-outreach/visitor-centers/thisseio/", "https://www.visitgreece.gr/experiences/culture/cultural-venues/national-observatory-of-athens/" ], "source_type": "Official observatory / National tourism", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "hotel_ranga_observatory", "name": "Hotel Rangá Observatory", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Iceland", "country_code": "IS", "city_region": "Hella, South Iceland", "primary_stella_category": "Observatory Hotel", "existing_in_stella": "Yes", "education_center_type": "Observatory Outreach Site", "education_center_type_source": "Hospitality Observatory Education", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "no", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "no", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Guests / Booking", "qualifies": "Alternative", "qualification_feature_count": 1, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 2.0, "notes": "Excellent guided observing but not a museum or school-facing public education center; use the hospitality badge.", "primary_audience": "Guests and booked visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://hotelranga.is/experiences/observatory/" ], "source_type": "Official operator", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [ "Hotel Ranga" ], "map_visible": true, "coordinate_status": "existing_stella_site" }, { "id": "astrostays_community_observatories", "name": "Astrostays community observatories", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "India", "country_code": "IN", "city_region": "Ladakh", "primary_stella_category": "Community Astronomy Stay", "existing_in_stella": "Yes", "education_center_type": "Observatory Outreach Site", "education_center_type_source": "Hospitality Observatory Education", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "no", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Booking", "qualifies": "Alternative", "qualification_feature_count": 2, "verification_status": "Verify Current Locations", "education_feature_score": 3.0, "notes": "Community-led telescope experiences and astronomy training; classify as a distributed education-and-hospitality network, not a single public center.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "School or youth programs", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": "Verify Current Locations", "source_urls": [ "https://www.astrostays.com/" ], "source_type": "Official operator", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [ "Astrostays Ladakh" ], "map_visible": true, "coordinate_status": "existing_stella_site" }, { "id": "kodaikanal_solar_observatory", "name": "Kodaikanal Solar Observatory", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "India", "country_code": "IN", "city_region": "Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu", "primary_stella_category": "Professional Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Heritage Observatory Museum", "education_center_type_source": "Heritage Observatory Museum", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "unknown", "public_observing": "occasional", "public_access": "Restricted / Booking", "qualifies": "Conditional", "qualification_feature_count": 1, "verification_status": "Verify Current Schedule", "education_feature_score": 2.5, "notes": "Historic working solar observatory with visitor and heritage value; verify routine public access and recurring school programming.", "primary_audience": "Public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "Occasional public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": "Verify Current Schedule", "source_urls": [ "https://www.iiap.res.in/centers/kso/", "https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2016952" ], "source_type": "Official research institute / Government", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "jododaira_astronomical_observatory", "name": "Jododaira Astronomical Observatory", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Japan", "country_code": "JP", "city_region": "Bandai-Asahi National Park, Fukushima", "primary_stella_category": "Public Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Full Public Science Center", "education_center_type_source": "Public Observatory Education Center", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "unknown", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Open / Seasonal", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 2, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 3.0, "notes": "Public telescope observing and interpretation in a national-park setting; seasonal access should be shown prominently.", "primary_audience": "Public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://www.japan.travel/national-parks/parks/bandai-asahi/see-and-do/joudodaira-astronomical-observatory/" ], "source_type": "Official national tourism", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "minami_aso_luna_observatory", "name": "Minami-Aso Luna Observatory", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Japan", "country_code": "JP", "city_region": "Minami-Aso, Kumamoto", "primary_stella_category": "Observatory Hotel", "existing_in_stella": "Yes", "education_center_type": "Observatory Outreach Site", "education_center_type_source": "Hospitality Observatory Education", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "yes", "school_or_youth_programs": "unknown", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Guests / Booking", "qualifies": "Alternative", "qualification_feature_count": 3, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 4.0, "notes": "An unusually education-rich lodging observatory; keep as a hospitality subtype rather than a civic science center.", "primary_audience": "Guests and booked visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "Planetarium or science theater", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://luna-observatory.international/" ], "source_type": "Official operator", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "national_astronomical_observatory_of_japan_mitaka_campus", "name": "National Astronomical Observatory of Japan – Mitaka Campus", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Japan", "country_code": "JP", "city_region": "Mitaka, Tokyo", "primary_stella_category": "Professional Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Research Observatory Visitor Center", "education_center_type_source": "Research Observatory Visitor Center", "education_strength": "Flagship", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "yes", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "occasional", "public_access": "Open / Booking", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 4, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 4.5, "notes": "Public campus visits, exhibitions, tours, dome visualization, and outreach make this a flagship research-education center.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "Planetarium or science theater", "School or youth programs", "Occasional public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://prc.nao.ac.jp/prc/en.php" ], "source_type": "Official observatory", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "travelling_telescope", "name": "Travelling Telescope", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Kenya", "country_code": "KE", "city_region": "Nairobi / mobile nationwide", "primary_stella_category": "Science Camp / Astronomy Outreach", "existing_in_stella": "Partial", "education_center_type": "Youth / School Observatory Campus", "education_center_type_source": "Astronomy Education Center (No Permanent Observatory)", "education_strength": "Outreach", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "no", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "no", "planetarium_or_theater": "yes", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "occasional", "public_access": "Booking / Group", "qualifies": "Alternative", "qualification_feature_count": 2, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 2.5, "notes": "Mobile telescope and planetarium education; a strong partner but not a permanent Griffith-style campus.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Planetarium or science theater", "School or youth programs", "Occasional public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://travellingtelescope.co.uk/education/", "https://travellingtelescope.co.uk/" ], "source_type": "Official operator", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [ "Ol Jogi + Travelling Telescope" ], "map_visible": true, "coordinate_status": "existing_stella_site" }, { "id": "anantara_kihavah_sky_observatory", "name": "Anantara Kihavah SKY Observatory", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Maldives", "country_code": "MV", "city_region": "Baa Atoll", "primary_stella_category": "Observatory Hotel", "existing_in_stella": "Yes", "education_center_type": "Observatory Outreach Site", "education_center_type_source": "Hospitality Observatory Education", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "no", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "no", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Guests / Booking", "qualifies": "Alternative", "qualification_feature_count": 1, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 2.0, "notes": "Resident-astronomer-led observing at a resort observatory; education is experiential rather than museum or school based.", "primary_audience": "Guests and booked visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://www.anantara.com/en/kihavah-maldives/experiences/best-maldives-overwater-observatory", "https://www.anantara.com/en/kihavah-maldives/restaurants/sky" ], "source_type": "Official operator", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [ "Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas" ], "map_visible": true, "coordinate_status": "existing_stella_site" }, { "id": "soneva_fushi_observatory", "name": "Soneva Fushi Observatory", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Maldives", "country_code": "MV", "city_region": "Baa Atoll", "primary_stella_category": "Observatory Hotel", "existing_in_stella": "Yes", "education_center_type": "Observatory Outreach Site", "education_center_type_source": "Hospitality Observatory Education", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "no", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Guests / Booking", "qualifies": "Alternative", "qualification_feature_count": 2, "verification_status": "Verify Current Schedule", "education_feature_score": 3.0, "notes": "Resort observatory with guided astronomy and family learning; classify separately from public civic centers.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "School or youth programs", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": "Verify Current Schedule", "source_urls": [ "https://soneva.com/experiences/" ], "source_type": "Official operator", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [ "Soneva Fushi" ], "map_visible": true, "coordinate_status": "existing_stella_site" }, { "id": "rajiv_gandhi_science_centre_astronomy_outreach", "name": "Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre astronomy outreach", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Mauritius", "country_code": "MU", "city_region": "Bell Village, Port Louis", "primary_stella_category": "Science Museum / Camp Anchor", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Youth / School Observatory Campus", "education_center_type_source": "Astronomy Education Center (No Permanent Observatory)", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "unknown", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "unknown", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "occasional", "public_access": "Open / Events", "qualifies": "Conditional", "qualification_feature_count": 2, "verification_status": "Verify Telescope Infrastructure", "education_feature_score": 2.5, "notes": "Strong science-education institution with telescope outreach; verify whether a permanent public observatory is currently installed.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent exhibits or museum", "School or youth programs", "Occasional public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": "Verify Telescope Infrastructure", "source_urls": [ "https://rgsc.govmu.org/", "https://astrotourism.astro4dev.org/an-island-gem-for-astronomy-mauritius-the-next-frontier/" ], "source_type": "Government science centre / IAU OAD", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "luis_enrique_erro_planetarium", "name": "Luis Enrique Erro Planetarium", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Mexico", "country_code": "MX", "city_region": "Mexico City", "primary_stella_category": "Science Museum / Camp Anchor", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Youth / School Observatory Campus", "education_center_type_source": "Astronomy Education Center (No Permanent Observatory)", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "unknown", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "yes", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "occasional", "public_access": "Open / Events", "qualifies": "Alternative", "qualification_feature_count": 3, "verification_status": "Verify Permanent Telescope", "education_feature_score": 3.5, "notes": "Major public astronomy education center with telescope events; confirm whether telescope infrastructure is permanent before using the observatory-education badge.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent exhibits or museum", "Planetarium or science theater", "School or youth programs", "Occasional public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": "Verify Permanent Telescope", "source_urls": [ "https://www.ipn.mx/assets/files/ccs/docs/comunicados-ingles/2022/08/C-094-en.pdf", "https://www.ipn.mx/english/press-releases/view-press-release.html?n=67&t=18&y=2024" ], "source_type": "Official university", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "cadi_ayyad_university_observatory_oukaimeden_observatory", "name": "Cadi Ayyad University Observatory / Oukaïmeden Observatory", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Morocco", "country_code": "MA", "city_region": "Oukaïmeden, High Atlas", "primary_stella_category": "Professional Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Research Observatory Visitor Center", "education_center_type_source": "Research Observatory Visitor Center", "education_strength": "Outreach", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "unknown", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "occasional", "public_access": "Restricted / Booking", "qualifies": "Conditional", "qualification_feature_count": 2, "verification_status": "Verify Current Schedule", "education_feature_score": 2.5, "notes": "Research observatory with outreach potential; verify recurring public tours, exhibits, and booking pathway before applying the education-center badge.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "School or youth programs", "Occasional public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": "Verify Current Schedule", "source_urls": [ "https://www.uca.ma/en/page/cadi-ayyad-university-observatory-ouca", "https://iauoutreach.org/nocs-network/africa/morocco" ], "source_type": "University / IAU", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "cuno_hoffmeister_memorial_observatory", "name": "Cuno Hoffmeister Memorial Observatory", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Namibia", "country_code": "NA", "city_region": "Windhoek", "primary_stella_category": "Public Observatory / Destination Anchor", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Observatory Outreach Site", "education_center_type_source": "Observatory Outreach Site", "education_strength": "Verify", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "no", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "occasional", "public_access": "Booking / Events", "qualifies": "Conditional", "qualification_feature_count": 1, "verification_status": "Verify Current Schedule", "education_feature_score": 2.5, "notes": "Education and outreach potential is documented, but current visitor programming and public hours need confirmation.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "School or youth programs", "Occasional public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": "Verify Current Schedule", "source_urls": [ "https://astro4dev.org/optical-camera-for-a-14-inch-telescope-in-namibia/" ], "source_type": "IAU Office of Astronomy for Development", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "hakos_astro_farm", "name": "Hakos Astro Farm", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Namibia", "country_code": "NA", "city_region": "Hakos Mountains / Gamsberg", "primary_stella_category": "Observatory Lodge", "existing_in_stella": "Yes", "education_center_type": "Observatory Outreach Site", "education_center_type_source": "Hospitality Observatory Education", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "no", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "unknown", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Guests / Booking", "qualifies": "Alternative", "qualification_feature_count": 1, "verification_status": "Verify Current Schedule", "education_feature_score": 2.0, "notes": "Serious telescope infrastructure and guided observing in a lodging setting; retain as hospitality education rather than a public science center.", "primary_audience": "Guests and booked visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": "Verify Current Schedule", "source_urls": [ "https://www.hakos-astrofarm.com/" ], "source_type": "Official operator", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [ "Hakos Astro Guest Farm" ], "map_visible": true, "coordinate_status": "existing_stella_site" }, { "id": "te_whatu_stardome_observatory_and_planetarium", "name": "Te Whatu Stardome Observatory and Planetarium", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "New Zealand", "country_code": "NZ", "city_region": "Auckland", "primary_stella_category": "Science Museum / Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Observatory + Planetarium Center", "education_center_type_source": "Observatory + Planetarium Center", "education_strength": "Flagship", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "yes", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Open / Booking", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 4, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 5.0, "notes": "Observatory telescope, planetarium programming, curriculum-based education, school experiences, and family science activities.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "Planetarium or science theater", "School or youth programs", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://www.stardome.org.nz/", "https://www.stardome.org.nz/tag/education" ], "source_type": "Official observatory and planetarium", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "pdo_planetarium", "name": "PDO Planetarium", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Oman", "country_code": "OM", "city_region": "Muscat", "primary_stella_category": "Science Museum / Camp Anchor", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Youth / School Observatory Campus", "education_center_type_source": "Astronomy Education Center (No Permanent Observatory)", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "no", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "yes", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "occasional", "public_access": "Open / Group", "qualifies": "Alternative", "qualification_feature_count": 3, "verification_status": "Verify Current Schedule", "education_feature_score": 3.5, "notes": "Important astronomy education venue, but not a Griffith-style observatory unless current on-site telescope infrastructure is confirmed.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent exhibits or museum", "Planetarium or science theater", "School or youth programs", "Occasional public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": "Verify Current Schedule", "source_urls": [ "https://planetariums-database.org/index.php?filtre=749&menu=sheet_planetarium", "https://www.omanobserver.om/article/1160194/features/arts/the-legacy-of-the-pdo-planetarium" ], "source_type": "Directory / national press", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "planetarium_cusco", "name": "Planetarium Cusco", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Peru", "country_code": "PE", "city_region": "Cusco", "primary_stella_category": "Science Museum / Camp Anchor", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Youth / School Observatory Campus", "education_center_type_source": "Astronomy Education Center with Telescope", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "yes", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Booking", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 4, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 5.0, "notes": "Immersive astronomy center combining interpretation, planetarium experiences, educational programs, and telescope observation.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "Planetarium or science theater", "School or youth programs", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://planetariumcusco.com/", "https://planetariumcusco.com/educational-program/" ], "source_type": "Official operator", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "lisbon_astronomical_observatory", "name": "Lisbon Astronomical Observatory", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Portugal", "country_code": "PT", "city_region": "Lisbon", "primary_stella_category": "Heritage Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Heritage Observatory Museum", "education_center_type_source": "Heritage Observatory Museum", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "occasional", "public_access": "Booking / Events", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 2, "verification_status": "Verify Current Schedule", "education_feature_score": 3.5, "notes": "Historic observatory and science-heritage site; verify current English-language visitor and school schedules.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "School or youth programs", "Occasional public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": "Verify Current Schedule", "source_urls": [ "https://oal.ul.pt/" ], "source_type": "Official university observatory", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "observatorio_do_lago_alqueva", "name": "Observatório do Lago Alqueva", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Portugal", "country_code": "PT", "city_region": "Monsaraz / Alqueva", "primary_stella_category": "Public Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Full Public Science Center", "education_center_type_source": "Public Observatory Education Center", "education_strength": "Flagship", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Booking", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 3, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 4.0, "notes": "Dedicated public astronomy center with telescope sessions and structured educational activities in the Alqueva dark-sky region.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "School or youth programs", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://olagoalqueva.pt/" ], "source_type": "Official observatory", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "saao_cape_town_visitor_centre", "name": "SAAO Cape Town Visitor Centre", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "South Africa", "country_code": "ZA", "city_region": "Observatory, Cape Town", "primary_stella_category": "Heritage Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Heritage Observatory Museum", "education_center_type_source": "Heritage Observatory Museum", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "occasional", "public_access": "Booking", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 3, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 3.5, "notes": "Historic observatory campus with public tours and school visits; a strong urban education-center fit.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "School or youth programs", "Occasional public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://www.saao.ac.za/visit-capetown/", "https://www.saao.ac.za/schooltours/" ], "source_type": "Official observatory", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "saao_sutherland_visitor_centre", "name": "SAAO Sutherland Visitor Centre", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "South Africa", "country_code": "ZA", "city_region": "Sutherland, Northern Cape", "primary_stella_category": "Professional Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Research Observatory Visitor Center", "education_center_type_source": "Research Observatory Visitor Center", "education_strength": "Flagship", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "occasional", "public_access": "Booking", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 3, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 3.5, "notes": "Working observatory campus with visitor facilities, tours, school programming, and public astronomy interpretation.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "School or youth programs", "Occasional public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://www.saao.ac.za/visit-sutherland/", "https://www.saao.ac.za/schooltours/" ], "source_type": "Official observatory", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "national_science_museum_astronomical_observatory", "name": "National Science Museum Astronomical Observatory", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "South Korea", "country_code": "KR", "city_region": "Daejeon", "primary_stella_category": "Science Museum / Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Full Public Science Center", "education_center_type_source": "Full Public Science Center", "education_strength": "Flagship", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "yes", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Open / Booking", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 4, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 5.0, "notes": "National science-museum setting with an astronomical observatory and formal learning infrastructure.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "Planetarium or science theater", "School or youth programs", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://www.science.go.kr/eps/cntnts/818/moveCntnts.do" ], "source_type": "Official national museum", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "songam_space_center", "name": "Songam Space Center", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "South Korea", "country_code": "KR", "city_region": "Yangju, Gyeonggi-do", "primary_stella_category": "Observatory Campus", "existing_in_stella": "Yes", "education_center_type": "Observatory + Planetarium Center", "education_center_type_source": "Observatory + Planetarium Center", "education_strength": "Flagship", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "yes", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Open / Booking", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 4, "verification_status": "Verify Current Schedule", "education_feature_score": 5.0, "notes": "Observatory campus combining astronomical viewing, space education, group programs, and visitor facilities.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "Planetarium or science theater", "School or youth programs", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": "Verify Current Schedule", "source_urls": [ "https://ggc.ggcf.kr/en/p/5bea06d2f99abb617d67b796" ], "source_type": "Regional cultural foundation", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [ "Songam Space Center / Star House" ], "map_visible": true, "coordinate_status": "existing_stella_site" }, { "id": "yecheon_astro_space_center", "name": "Yecheon Astro-Space Center", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "South Korea", "country_code": "KR", "city_region": "Yecheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do", "primary_stella_category": "Observatory Campus", "existing_in_stella": "Yes", "education_center_type": "Observatory + Planetarium Center", "education_center_type_source": "Observatory + Planetarium Center", "education_strength": "Flagship", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "yes", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Open / Booking", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 4, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 5.0, "notes": "A close international analogue to Griffith: observatory, space-science exhibits, planetarium functions, and group education.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "Planetarium or science theater", "School or youth programs", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/contents/contentsView.do?vcontsId=87846" ], "source_type": "Official national tourism", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [ "Yecheon Astro-Space Center" ], "map_visible": true, "coordinate_status": "existing_stella_site" }, { "id": "urania_observatory_zurich", "name": "Urania Observatory Zurich", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Switzerland", "country_code": "CH", "city_region": "Zurich", "primary_stella_category": "Public Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Heritage Observatory Museum", "education_center_type_source": "Heritage Observatory Education Center", "education_strength": "Strong", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "no", "planetarium_or_theater": "no", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Booking", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 3, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 3.0, "notes": "Public tours, lectures, and dedicated school/private group programs around a historic urban telescope.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "School or youth programs", "Regular public observing" ], "current_access_caveat": null, "source_urls": [ "https://urania-sternwarte.ch/", "https://urania-sternwarte.ch/anfragen-oder-buchungen-schul-und-privatfuehrungen/" ], "source_type": "Official observatory", "last_verified": "2026-06-21", "mapped_site_names": [], "map_visible": false, "coordinate_status": "needs_curated_coordinates" }, { "id": "tainan_astronomical_education_area", "name": "Tainan Astronomical Education Area", "database_label": "Observatory Education Center", "collection_label": "Learn at an Observatory", "map_badge": "Education Center", "country": "Taiwan", "country_code": "TW", "city_region": "Danei, Tainan", "primary_stella_category": "Science Museum / Observatory Destination", "existing_in_stella": "No", "education_center_type": "Full Public Science Center", "education_center_type_source": "Full Public Science Center", "education_strength": "Flagship", "permanent_observatory_or_telescope": "yes", "permanent_exhibits_or_museum": "yes", "planetarium_or_theater": "yes", "school_or_youth_programs": "yes", "public_observing": "regular", "public_access": "Open", "qualifies": "Yes", "qualification_feature_count": 4, "verification_status": "Verified", "education_feature_score": 5.0, "notes": "Purpose-built education campus with observatory, astronomy museum, planetarium, daytime solar viewing, and scheduled night observing.", "primary_audience": "Students and public visitors", "education_assets": [ "Permanent observatory or telescope", "Permanent exhibits or museum", "Planetarium or science theater", "School or 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