Birla Planetarium: A Place To View Heavenly Bodies

Birla Planetarium Inaugurated by the then Prime Minister if India, Pundit Jawaharlal 29 1962 Birla Planetarium holds a distinct place for the astrology aficionado and space connoisseurs alike. The various devices and techniques are used to make the public understand the complicated laws of space and planets in the simplest manner. Well conceptualized and strategically designed, this planetarium frequently holds the sky shows to train the interested people on various space related topic s like evolution of the earth, Discovery and exploration of various planets and other issues and principles related to the space, the planetarium is also associated with the Amateur Astronomers Association and coordinated their activities like astro photography, sky watching sessions and fabrication of telescopes. Initially, the land for building this planetarium was leased by West Bengal.

The planetarium has remained an active participant in various seminars in the field of astronomy. It has been organizing various events for facilitating and encouraging the studies of various Celestial Events including Solar Eclipses. Informative research based lectures are regularly conducted for discussion on various space related issues. Special lectures and events are conducted on the centenaries of various noted astronomers like Kepler, Tycho Brahe and Galileo. Its ultra modern observatory includes the most sophisticated instruments like Celestron C-14 Telescope supported by the aces sires like ST6 CCD camera, and Soar Filer.

What is the importance and achievements of this planetarium?

The Planetarium has played an important role in presenting various astronomical projects associated with the multiple aspects of astronomy and its connection wit various other fields of study. Some of its most notable projects relate to History of astronomy, Celestial Mechanics. Astrophysics and Space Scenes. The free evening courses on astronomy are one of the major attractions of the planetarium. It is also running a Post Graduate Diploma Course in Astronomy and Planetarium Sciences that has been in existence since 1993. Later in 1999 the planetarium also started an M Phil Curse in astronomy and Planetarium sciences in association with BITS Pilani

The planetarium also plays a vital role in design and fabrication of various scientific equipments. Its electronics lab is also credited with the set up of automation systems the result in the special effects and visuals to enhance planetarium show.

How does it spreads the subject information on astrology?

The planetarium is also publishing a scientific journal on the articles related to astronomy, the journal, named Journal of MP Birla Auditorium, publishes the research based articles of many reputed national and international astronomers. Apart from that the planetarium also publishes various books on astrology from time to time