The Science Center is a Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF) facility open to students at all levels of education, as well as society in general. It features various permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as other visitation spaces, such as the Planetarium and the Astronomical Observatory, along with laboratories and auditoriums for various purposes.
In 2023, the Center completes 17 years of operation establishing itself as one of the most important Scientific Dissemination spaces in Brazil, with approximately 120,000 visitors up until its 10 year anniversary in 2016. By 2020, this number had already surpassed 200,000 visitors from Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, and cities in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Unfortunately, its activities were suspended during the pandemic, but have returned to normal in April 2022.
Spaces:
Laboratories: 5 laboratories (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Informatics).
Auditoriums: Three auditoriums with a capacity for 270 people.
Planetarium: It features a 12-meter diameter projection dome and a Zeiss Skymaster ZKP 4 projection system. With seating capacity for 90 people in reclining armchairs, sessions related to Astronomy topics are presented.
Astronomical Observatory: Located in an open area, the observatory has a fixed 20-inch telescope, as well as 10 mobile telescopes, including one specifically for solar observation.
Exhibitions: Permanent and temporary.
Socializing Center: Dining area.
Museums:
Malacology Museum: It houses a wide variety of marine, terrestrial, and freshwater shells, as well as shells from other parts of the world.
Museum of Archaeology and American Ethnology: It contains the exhibition “Archaeoastronomy,” which involves interpreting and decoding hieroglyphs and iconography with astronomical significance from past societies. The room features a scenic ambiance of the Tiwanaku archaeological site, including the Sun Gate and monoliths, aiming to demonstrate how pre-Columbian peoples observed and interpreted astronomical phenomena.
Archaeological Site: An external laboratory connected to the Museum of Archaeology and American Ethnology, which aims to interpret the past for knowledge construction. The focus is on the diversity of indigenous peoples of the Americas and the construction techniques that reflect their knowledge and practices.
Formation Courses: Throughout the year, several Initial and Continuing Education courses are developed by a team of university professors who collaborate with the Science Center.
Social media profiles:
https://www.instagram.com/centrodecienciasufjf/
https://www.twitter.com/CCUFJF