Debrecen4U
January 27, 2026
Agora Science Centre to Debut Its New Attraction in February
Agora’s Interactive Space has sixty special games in store as permanent programs, each closely linked to a scientific phenomenon. In addition, visitors to the experience center can take part several times a day in experimental demonstrations and popular science presentations. Detailed daily programs are available by clicking here.
Programs in the digital planetarium (except February 6–8, 2026)
Bringing the Stars Down to Earth!
The night sky by day at Agora! Under the enormous 8-meter-diameter dome, Agora’s astronomer gives a presentation. During the 20–25 minute program, visitors can learn more about the winter constellations, the planets visible to the naked eye, the Star of Bethlehem, and current celestial phenomena.
In the Wake of Comets
In our sky, the members of our Solar System are in constant motion: we can observe the paths of the Sun and the Moon, as well as the seemingly irregular wandering of the planets. From time to time, shooting stars streak above us, and occasionally tailed wanderers known as comets also appear in the sky. But what exactly are comets, what are they made of, what do they look like, and why do they seem to be such rare phenomena? This astronomical presentation seeks to answer these questions.
Stars and Supernovae
How long do stars live? What fate awaits our Sun? What is a supernova explosion? Is there life after the death of stars? In Agóra’s planetarium show, visitors can follow the birth, life, and demise of stars. The program also discusses the recently observed, striking dimming of Betelgeuse, the famous red supergiant of the Orion constellation, and reveals that supernovae—these spectacular phenomena of our Universe—are not only harbingers of destruction.
Cosmix
Are you curious about how astronauts do their work? With the help of a full-dome film, you can jump straight from a video game into a rocket and travel to the International Space Station. You will learn how to cook astronaut food, use a cosmic toilet, sleep properly, and wash in space. The return to Earth will be adventurous as well! Get ready for a crazy journey and hold on tight! The film is screened in both Hungarian and English.
The Colors of the Night Sky
This new planetarium short film presents in an accessible and spectacular way the results of research related to light pollution. By examining the natural night sky with refined methods, extremely interesting light phenomena can be observed. This unique work by certified physicist and astronomer Zoltán Kolláth, which brings to life the constantly changing colors of the night sky, won the Best Short Film award last year at the Brno Full-Dome Film Festival.
The Dark Side of Light
For centuries, we have become accustomed to considering artificial light sources natural after dark. But they are not. The biorhythms of living organisms—both plants and animals—have operated for tens of millions of years according to the alternation of sunrise and sunset. Artificial disruption of this cycle has serious consequences not only for our health, but also for the environment and the economy. This new full-dome planetarium film explores the issue of light pollution. The film is screened in both Hungarian and English.
Satelix
What are satellites used for and what does their future hold? What can Hungarian space devices do? How do developments in space technology affect our lives? This full-dome film, created with the cooperation of the staff of the TIT Budapest Planetarium as well as planetariums from the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, and Germany, presents the goals and achievements of European satellites and reveals how space research influences our everyday lives. The film is screened in both Hungarian and English.
From the Earth to the Universe
The half-hour full-dome film of the European Southern Observatory spans incredible distances in time and space. From the birth of the Universe to the final moments of the Solar System, viewers can follow the lives of stars and planets, the milestones of ancient and modern space exploration, and the relationship between humanity and outer space. The Hungarian version was produced by the Agóra Science Experience Center. Narrator: Klári Varga. The film is screened in both Hungarian and English.
Europe Among the Stars
Since when has humanity been observing the stars? How did we realize that the Universe is expanding? Why is Europe’s largest observatory located outside Europe? This full-dome film offers a glimpse behind the scenes of the European Southern Observatory and reveals how the world’s most powerful telescope was built. The half-hour film is screened in English.
Our Life-Giving Star, the Sun
Is the existence of the Sun really self-evident? Will it always shine on us in this way? Why can we say that the Sun is the source of all life on Earth? Even regarding our closest, life-giving star, there are still more questions than answers. This spectacular half-hour full-dome film is screened in English.
Visitors can take part in the planetarium programs in limited numbers, on a first-come, first-served basis, with an admission ticket to Agóra. The planetarium shows are recommended from the age of 6.
February 7–8, 2026
A Bright Birthday at Agóra
Can you pop a balloon with laser light? What is the stroboscopic effect? How many points of light can be seen in the night sky? How can we paint fire green? On the occasion of Agóra’s 11th birthday, visitors are invited throughout the weekend to special light-themed programs. There will be opportunities to build a light-sensitive alarm and guide Agóra’s most skillful and cutest glowing robots along a course.
The experience center’s new attraction, the Light Island, will also be opened. In this special room, visitors can, among other things, bring an image to life using light, experience that perceiving colors is not such an easy task, and watch a 180-degree panoramic projection that takes them through the history of Debrecen from the formation of the settlement onward. Agóra’s special birthday programs can be visited with a discounted ticket. On both Saturday and Sunday, the admission fee is a uniform HUF 1,900 per person for both children and adults.
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 10:30–11:30
Weekend Science: Love Without Words
Nature is full of secret messages. Animals do not need words to find a mate: some sing, others dance, flash colors, or emit special scents—and sometimes courtship is not entirely risk-free! During the session, participants will discover how “love” works in the animal world without words, for example when birds’ songs are successful and why spiders dance.
Recommended age: 8–12 years
The family program can be attended with an admission ticket to Agóra. Due to limited capacity, advance registration is recommended. Pre-registration is accepted at the email address regisztracio@agoradebrecen.hu. The one-hour session starts exactly at 10:30 a.m., with gathering in the reception area.
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10:30–11:30
Weekend Science: Mathematics Everywhere
Get ready! In this session, you will have to use not only your head but your hands as well! We will play tricks with numbers to be faster than machines, bend space with paper strips, and in the end become a “human puzzle” to experience with our own bodies that mathematics can sometimes be a form of escape artistry. Along the way, participants will discover, among other things, where mathematics hides today—in our pockets, in music, or in patterns of nature—wrote the organizers.
Recommended age: 8–12 years
The family program can be attended with an admission ticket to Agóra. Due to limited capacity, advance registration is recommended. Pre-registration is accepted at the email address regisztracio@agoradebrecen.hu. The one-hour session starts exactly at 10:30 a.m., with gathering in the reception area.
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 10:30–11:30
Weekend Science: Green Energies
Wind turbines, solar panels, electric mini-cars—during this session, children can learn about the scientific background of renewable energies and try out environmentally friendly power generation using devices they build themselves. While gaining insight into “green” technologies, they can also acquire the basics of electrical engineering.
Recommended age: 8–12 years
The family program can be attended with an admission ticket to Agóra. Due to limited capacity, advance registration is recommended. Pre-registration is accepted at the email address regisztracio@agoradebrecen.hu. The one-hour session starts exactly at 10:30 a.m., with gathering in the reception area.
Source: dehir.hu | Photo credit: Debrecen városa (Facebook)
