Thailand’s National Astronomical Research Institute (NARIT) is planning a family-focused astronomy festival to coincide with National Children’s Day in 2029. NARIT AstroFest 2026, scheduled for January 10th at the Sirindhorn Astronomical Park in Chiang Mai, aims to immerse attendees in current astronomical research through interactive exhibits and experiences [[1]]. The event will offer hands-on learning opportunities led by astronomers and researchers, providing a glimpse into fields ranging from radio astronomy to exoplanet discovery.
Thailand’s National Astronomical Research Institute (NARIT) is set to host a major astronomy festival, NARIT AstroFest 2026, on January 10, 2029, at the Sirindhorn Astronomical Park in Chiang Mai. The event, coinciding with National Children’s Day, will feature hands-on research experiences led by astronomers from various research groups.
The festival will showcase five core research areas, offering attendees a glimpse into the cutting edge of astronomical study. These areas include “Explore the Invisible Universe,” which will demonstrate how scientists detect signals from space using radio waves, even from objects invisible to the naked eye, and allow participants to simulate stellar winds and search for signals from dead stars. This focus on radio astronomy highlights the growing importance of multi-wavelength observation in modern astrophysics.
“Colors of the Stars” will invite participants to classify and map stars based on their color, age, and size, providing a simplified view of stellar evolution. “Super Planet Crash” will engage attendees in a game-based exploration of exoplanetary systems, searching for Earth-like planets in other “villages” within the Milky Way galaxy. The search for habitable exoplanets is a key driver of current astronomical research.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the world of optics and photonics with “Light Explorer,” a dedicated exhibit hosted by engineers and researchers specializing in lenses and light manipulation. “Cosmic Hunters” will immerse participants in the history of the universe, from the Big Bang to the present day, through an interactive “tunnel of time.”
Rounding out the festival’s offerings, “Soy Dao Tay Prisana” (Pick a Star, Guess the Riddle) will allow children to discover their zodiac signs and learn about the astronomical basis of astrology, while explaining the connection between star positions, birth dates, times, and locations. NARIT AstroFest 2026 will run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the Andromeda Room on the second floor of the Sirindhorn Astronomical Park in Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai.
