Learning about our universe just got more exciting with India’s first 3D planetarium!The Swami Vivekananda 3D Planetarium located at the Regional Science Centre at Pilikula, Mangaluru, was inaugurated on March 1, 2018, and regular shows began from March 4 onwards.
The brand new planetarium has joined the list of a handful of planetariums around the world that will house opto-mechanical and 3D digital hybrid systems to deliver Ultra High Definition (UHD) tour of celestial bodies.
Unlike movie projectors, optical projectors for planetariums are entirely different. They have to be able to project 20 million stars with precision and uniformity over a dome. This is where the Megastar IIA optical projector sets the planetarium apart!
Developed by Ohira Tech Japan, the 8K ultra-bright LED-based projector with 32 lenses can beam 20 million stars on the 18-meter diameter projection dome which is tilted at a 15-degree angle, simulating a space travel experience.
With active stereo 3D glasses accompanied with a 5.1 theatre surround sound system, the planetarium is sure to be a stimulating experience for students, astronomers and people of all ages.
The planetarium is situated at Dr Shivaram Karanth Pilikula Nisargadhama (SKPN) which is a major eco-education and tourism development project promoted by the District Administration of Dakshina Kannada in the city of Mangaluru. Started in 1996, Pilikula has many attractions of cultural, educational and scientific interest which are spread over an area of 370 acres.
The construction of the planetarium took over four years to complete, and cost approximately about Rs 36 crore. Covering an area of about 5200 square feet, and housing about 170 seats, the entry fee is priced at Rs 60 for adults and Rs 25 for children.
The planetarium hopes to inspire young minds into the field of astronomy and astrophysics.
Hey, if you love astronomy you would love this: Team of Indian Astronomers Discovered a Supercluster of Galaxies and Named It Saraswati