Do you know the Top 5 Planetariums in India?
With thriving progress in the fields of Science and Technology over the years, India has emerged as a significant contributor to the global technological platform. India has made strides in space exploration and IT, such considerable progress is driven by government support, private sector investment, and our highly skilled workforce.
For all the space enthusiasts out there, here are the Top 5 Planetariums in India
Birla Planetarium, Kolkata
The one that excels in the list of top 5 Planetariums of India would be none other than MP Birla Planetarium in Kolkata, the largest planetarium in Asia and the Second largest planetarium in the world. It was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru on 2nd July 1963 and is named after the industrialist and philanthropist Madhav Prasad Birla. Popularly known as ‘Taramandal’, it is located in the heart of Kolkata and is a well-known tourist attraction. Its large dome-shaped architecture is based on the design of the Buddhist Stupa at Sanchi. This dome-shaped structure has an auditorium that can accommodate more than 500 people. The planetarium offers a variety of shows and educational programs related to astronomy, space science, and cosmology. It also houses a library, a museum, and a research center.
Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai
Situated at the heart of Mumbai, Nehru Planetarium is one of the most popular local & tourist attractions in Mumbai. The planetarium has a dome-shaped structure that houses interactive exhibits, such as a 3D theatre, a virtual reality theatre, and a planetarium show. The 3D theatre offers a realistic way to experience the mesmerizing universe, while the virtual reality theatre allows the audience to explore the planets and stars in a more immersive way. It has different weighing machines for nine planets and the moon that show the possible weight of a person on the respective planet making it more engaging & informative for the audience. The planetarium shows are a great way to learn about the night sky and the various constellations. It has programs specifically designed for young minds which include Science quiz contests, Astro-painting, Science elocution, Astro-poetry, and Astro-quiz competitions. In addition, the planetarium has special arrangements for space enthusiasts, made to watch, study and photograph Solar and lunar eclipses, and other cosmic events. The planetarium also installs telescopes to provide their curious audience with an experience to watch these astronomical phenomena.
IUCAA Girawali Observatory and Science Center, Pune
Located near the village of Girawali, Pune IUCAA (Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics) is a unique facility that combines a planetarium, an observatory, and a science center. The Planetarium has a dome-shaped screen that provides a 360-degree view of the night sky, which is achieved using an advanced projection system. The observatory features various ranges of telescopes, including a 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, which is used for research and public outreach.
The planetarium also offers shows and presentations that are designed to teach visitors about The Cosmos, The Solar System, and Astronomical phenomena. In addition, the facility also offers interactive exhibits and activities that explore the universe and its mysteries along with an educational and informative workshop for students as well as the general public.
Guwahati Planetarium, Assam
Built-in 1994, this astronomical education and research center is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Guwahati. The Guwahati Planetarium has the most unique structure designed as a tilted dome, which gives the impression of sitting in a UFO, making it more interesting for the audience. The Planetarium uses a Chronos star field projector, digital HD video projectors, and advanced sound system technology providing its audience with an enhanced experience for its astronomy shows and programs. In addition to the tilted dome, it also has a 3D model of the solar system which is a replica of our solar system, and it provides visitors with a better understanding of the relative sizes and distances of the planets in our solar system. The planetarium also included a science park, a space museum, a 3D theater, a virtual reality theater, and an observatory. It also conducts workshops, programs, shows, and engaging activities to provide young minds and other audiences with a realistic experience.
Swami Vivekananda Planetarium, Mangalore
Located at the science center Pilikula Nisargadhama in Mangalore, Swami Vivekananda Planetarium is the first 3D planetarium in India. It has a dome structure that is tilted at 15 degrees to enhance the viewing experience of the audience. The first state-of-the-art 3D planetarium has a Megastar IIA optical projector integrated with Digistar and an active stereo 3D 8K digital planetarium system. In addition, the planetarium has 32 lenses of the 8K ultra-bright LED-based projector, which is capable of beaming 20 million stars uniformly and seamlessly over the nano-seam panels of the dome. Along with a breathtaking night sky experience, the planetarium provides the best learning experience for students and enthusiasts on the Zodiacal system of planets.
