Bangalore has many places for kids to enjoy but Nehru Planetarium is one such place that fulfils both the requirements of kids, enjoyment as well as learning. Learning with fun is true here. Kids love this place because they get to know so many exciting facts about our planet, solar system, space and astronomical instruments as well. There are total five Planetariums in our country. They are situated in Pune, Bangalore, Mumbai, Allahabad and New Delhi. The Nehru Planetarium in Pune was the first planetarium in Asia started in the year 1954. These planetariums are named after our first Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. The Bangalore Planetarium started in the year 1989 by Bangalore City Corporation but is managed by Bangalore Association for Science Education (BASE) from the year 1992 onwards.Inside the planetarium there is a dome having a seating capacity of about two hundred and ten people. This dome has diameter of about fifteen meters. This dome has a Planetarium projector called Space Master of German Carl Zeiss. With the help of this projector viewers can see the night sky projected on the dome and constellation pictures too. The same projector is also used for teaching purpose as well. Other projectors used in the show include slide projectors, video projectors, special effect projectors, etc. The shows also include cartoons, paintings, video clippings, special effects, animations to create the charm in the show. The sky theatre is the most important segment in the planetarium and the most popular among the visitors. Every year this place sees more than two lakh explorers and most of them are kids.Apart from this much popular sky theatre kids as well as adults can know the amazing facts and figure about our universe via well displayed exhibition fully loaded with knowledge box. They have displayed in a systematic manner the Astronomy pictures, cartoons, paintings, sculptures, etc. with details, timings and other important facts related to the displayed pictures. It is worth paying attention especially for those who want to choose this or related field for their career line or keen to understand our universe and its elements. The special weighing scale attracts lots of crowd because it tells your weight on different planets and gives you a printed version of your weight to remember forever. Isn’t it interesting? Now you can decide on which planet you want to live. In the exhibition hall there are Giant sized coloured photographs of Galaxies, Science Kiosk given by IBM, shopping stall for buying books, tiny models, telescopes, Science kits, pictures related to astronomy, etc.There is a Science Centre and a Science Park in the same premises to learn the Science in a different way. This is not an ordinary garden but full of interesting things to attract your attention. Some of the objects of Science are as under:
- D.N.A. Model
- Resonant Swings
- Whispering Dishes
- Sun Dial
- Giant Kaleidoscope
- A model of PSLV rocket, etc.
Special attractionsThere are arrangements in the planetarium to view the special events of universe like Comet viewing, solar eclipses, planetary activities and transitions, etc. they have the facility of large screens to display the astronomical event which is happening in other parts of world. There are many portable telescopes are arranged at the time of public viewing to watch the activities in the sky.Educational eventsFor science students there are some educational sessions organised by the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium like experiments on atmospheric pressure, rocket launch, understanding speedometer, etc. the educational sessions are specially designed for High School students and for Bachelor of Science students. These sessions are held on weekends and the timings for the same are 10.30 am and 4.30 pm.Name: Nehru Planetarium, BangaloreLocation: Sir. T. Chowdaiah Road, BangaloreWhat to see: Planetarium, Science Park and Science CenterJawaharlal Nehru Planetarium Timings: Daily at 3 pm and 4.30 pm except on Mondays and second Tuesday.Days: Closed on Mondays and second TuesdayRuchi Mahajan