The Indira Gandhi Planetarium in Patna will soon feature a new giant high-tech telescope. This project, costing approximately 1 crore rupees, aims to significantly boost public engagement with astronomy in Bihar. Authorities expect the telescope's installation to finish by April 2026, with public access starting in May 2026.[patnapress]
Advanced Viewing Capabilities
The new telescope features high-capacity lenses and a modern tracking system. It will allow visitors to observe celestial bodies more closely. These include the Sun, Moon, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, along with several of their satellites.[patnapress]
Workers will fix the instrument in position on the planetarium's roof. This setup ensures stable and uninterrupted viewing for all visitors. The planetarium plans to introduce separate time slots for telescope viewing. Officials will announce ticket prices soon.[patnapress]
Trained guides will be on hand to explain astronomical events. This will make the experience accessible and educational for everyone. The target audience includes children, students, researchers, and amateur stargazers.[patnapress]
Expanding Science Education
Alongside the new telescope, an astronomy park is under development within the planetarium campus. This park will feature 11 interactive exhibits.These exhibits aim to simplify complex astronomical concepts. They will explain ideas such as sundials, timekeeping, and the movement of the Earth in an engaging way.[patnapress+1]
Officials envision the astronomy park as a key learning hub for students. It will also serve as a significant point of interest for the general public. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary highlighted the project's importance. "This is an important initiative by the state government aimed at fostering scientific thinking and research aptitude among the youth of the state," Choudhary said.[timesofindia]
Comprehensive Modernization Efforts
The new telescope is part of a larger, ongoing modernization program at the Indira Gandhi Planetarium. The planetarium recently upgraded its main theater with a new projection system, enhanced acoustics, and a dome-shaped hanging screen.[timesofindia+1]
In 2023, six 4K Christie projectors were installed by ZEISS. This upgrade transitioned the planetarium from older opto-mechanical systems to a modern digital projection system.The modernization, largely completed around April 2024, offers high-resolution 2D and 3D shows. It provides an immersive visual experience for audiences.The new projection system was imported from Germany.[en+4]
The overall renovation of the planetarium building involved an expenditure of around 27 crore rupees.This extensive revamp included interior remodeling, new seating arrangements, and improved dome lighting.A new astronomy and space gallery, featuring interactive 3D models, also opened last year.[orbit-space+3]
Additionally, a virtual reality (VR) theatre was expected to open around September 2025. This VR theatre, developed by the National Council of Science Museums, cost 5.59 crore rupees. It features 25 VR motion chairs, offering immersive virtual tours of the universe.[timesofindia]
A Hub for Astronomical Learning
The Indira Gandhi Planetarium, also known as Patna Taramandal, holds the distinction of being one of Asia's largest planetariums.Former Bihar Chief Minister Shri Satyendra Narain Sinha conceptualized the planetarium in 1989. It officially opened to the public on April 1, 1993.[patnaonline+3]
The planetarium regularly hosts eight shows daily. Six shows are in Hindi and two are in English. These programs cover diverse topics in science, space, and the environment.Popular screenings include "We Are Stars," which explores the origins of the universe, "Voyager," detailing NASA's deep-space missions, "Life of Tree," focusing on environmental awareness, and "Asteroid Mission," which examines cosmic threats.[patnapress+1]
These continuous enhancements aim to establish the planetarium as a leading center for science communication and astronomical exploration in India. The upgrades will not only raise scientific awareness among the general public but also deepen the interest of science students in astronomy.[timesofindia]
The installation of the new high-tech telescope and the accompanying astronomy park mark a significant leap for scientific education and public engagement in Bihar. These modern facilities position the Patna Planetarium as a premier destination for cosmic exploration, inspiring a new generation of science enthusiasts.
