Pathani Samanta Planetarium: Ticket Price, Show Timings, Location, History, Architecture, and many more!
And the teacher said, class open Chapter 1: The solar system, the most beautiful and most curious generating chapter in social studies unfurled itself right before my eyes in 6th class. This chapter got me hooked and while I was narrating stories about the solar system after reaching home, my Father took me and my brother to the most amazing place where we can see planets and other stars in the planetarium.
On Sunday, we went to the planetarium after getting our tickets and then briefly went to different sections to finally having reached the dome-shaped building which took us literally out of Earth, I felt why to go through spacecraft and see the universe when I can just sit in a chair and see the whole world unfurling right in front me.
The experience? Some experiences are not just about to be written or read but to be felt and for me, as a 6th-class student this was the most thrilling and exciting experience.
After having experienced the universe through our own lenses, we spent some time in the garden, bought some souvenirs to store at home as a memory, and left holding the universe right in our hearts and eyes!
History Of Pathani Samanta Planetarium
The great astronomer from Odisha known as Pathani Samanta, Mahamahopadhyaya Chandrasekhar Singh Harichandan Mohapatra Samanta, has a planetarium in his honor. He was renowned for his conventional astronomy research. Pathani Samanta had constructed wise equipment out of everyday items like bamboo pipes to carefully track the motions of the planets and determine their distance from one another.
He practiced traditional approaches to astronomy while being utterly ignorant of the telescope and other celestial tools. His research and observations were documented in “The Sidhanta Darpana,” a priceless classic written in the lovely metrical Sanskrit language was published in 1899, and received best reviews in the American and European press. As a result, it elevated him to prominence in India’s astronomy community. His observations’ outcomes can be compared to current data. In light of all of this, Samanta Chandrasekhara stands out as a superb observer of the universe with the naked eye. On January 8, 1990, the Pathani Samanta Planetarium was erected in his honor.
Under the direction of the Science and Technology Department of the Odisha Government, the planetarium’s building work started in 1986, and it was officially opened to the public in 1990. The shows were initially operated by an opto-mechanical system, but as of 2012, all of them are now run entirely digitally employing cutting-edge technology that has greatly improved the watching experience with 3D-motion effects.
The Planetarium is located in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, on a 5-acre parcel of ground close to Acharya Vihar Square. It has a dome with a diameter of 12 and an auditorium with enough for 178 people.
In association with TATA STEEL, the Pathani Samanta Planetarium has been running the “Young Astronomer Talent Search” (YATS) talent search program since 2007. Students from higher secondary schools all around the state compete in an essay competition based on astronomy, astrophysics, and space science as part of this program. In a state-level display presented at the planetarium in the month of December, the best 20 students in Odisha are honored by the chief minister. The next year, these young aspirants to astronomy are given a free opportunity to tour the nation’s premier space agencies.
Architecture Of Pathani Samanta Planetarium
The planetarium’s remarkable architecture includes a circular structure with a dome-shaped roof. The planetarium’s fully air-conditioned theater, where the presentations are presented, has the capacity to hold 178 people at once. The campus has an astronomy park with a sundial and a statue of Pathani Samanta sitting in it. There is a specific area on the property set aside for evening open-air light and sound performances. On top of these, the campus has a well-kept lawn, a book point, a library, and a canteen.
The architecture of the planetarium includes a special dome-shaped building that houses the planetarium theater, where guests may take in enthralling displays about stars, planets, galaxies, and other celestial bodies. High-quality visual and audio presentations are possible because of the dome’s flawless projection surface, which is made possible by the use of cutting-edge technology and materials during construction.
The interior architecture of the planetarium is created to offer guests a relaxing and interesting experience. To ensure that every viewer has an unimpeded view of the immersive shows, the seating is arranged in a circular configuration around the dome. The acoustics and lighting have been thoughtfully planned to improve the viewing experience and produce a true-to-life representation of the night sky.
The design of the planetarium also includes an area designated for exhibitions and displays that feature telescopes, astronomical models, and other space and astronomy-related items. These displays give visitors an interactive learning experience that enables them to explore and comprehend the mysteries of the universe in a practical way.
The outside architecture of the planetarium has a sleek, contemporary appearance that is both modern and futuristic. The structure is surrounded by well-kept gardens and landscaping, which give guests a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. With lettering and visuals that capture the spirit of astronomy and space travel, the planetarium’s entrance and facade are intended to be aesthetically pleasing.
Ways of Experiencing Pathani Samanta Planetarium
You can experience captivating shows that transport you on a virtual journey through the stars, planets, galaxies, and other celestial bodies in the planetarium theater at Pathani Samanta Planetarium. Visitors of all ages will enjoy these displays, which combine cutting-edge projection technology and audio systems to create a lifelike reproduction of the night sky.
The planetarium also holds exhibitions and displays that feature telescopes, celestial models, and other space and astronomy-related items. These displays offer a hands-on learning opportunity that enables visitors to explore and comprehend the mysteries of the universe.
On a variety of subjects connected to astronomy and space sciences, Pathani Samanta Planetarium frequently organizes lectures, workshops, and interactive activities. These educational opportunities provide you the chance to learn from subject specialists and increase your understanding of the universe’s mysteries.
The planetarium hosts stargazing activities where people can use telescopes to see celestial objects and learn about the various constellations, stars, and planets that can be seen in the night sky. For astronomy lovers and those who are interested in the night sky, these activities offer a distinctive and fascinating experience.
The science park at Pathani Samanta Planetarium contains interactive displays, models, and installations relating to a variety of scientific ideas, including astronomy, physics, and space exploration. The hands-on activities, experiments, and demonstrations available to visitors allow them to better understand science and technology.
A range of astronomy-related souvenirs, including books, posters, models, and other mementos, are available in the planetarium’s gift shop. You can use these as special keepsakes to recall your trip to the Pathani Samanta Planetarium.
Entry Fee And Timings Of Pathani Samanta Planetarium
Pathani Samanta Planetarium admission is Rs. 20 for kids and Rs. 30 for adults. Every day, Tuesday through Sunday, from 2 pm to 6 pm, it is open. It stays closed on Mondays. The planetarium’s English, Hindi, and Odia language shows are scheduled for 2 p.m., 5 p.m., and 3 p.m., respectively. Special performances are arranged from 11.30 am to 1.30 pm based on requests made in advance by the authorities. Each of these concerts lasts for roughly 30 to 40 minutes.
Getting To Pathani Samanta Planetarium
It takes around 10 minutes to go from the Biju Patnaik International Airport to the Pathani Samanta Planetarium, which is 5.6 kilometers away. However, it is 5.4 kilometers and 4.3 km respectively from the Baramunda ISBT Bus Stand and the Bhubaneswar Railway Station. From these two locations, it takes 10–12 minutes to get to the planetarium. Tourists can simply take private taxis, auto rickshaws, and local buses to get to the planetarium from the airport, railway station, bus stop, or any other location in the city.
Things To Keep In Mind While Visiting Pathani Samanta Planetarium
In the planetarium, cell phones must be kept in the “silent” or “off” mode.
It is not permitted to touch any of the planetarium’s equipment.
Food is not permitted inside the planetarium.
During the performance, movement is limited.
On-site photography is permitted.
Astronomy enthusiasts and anybody interested in the wonders of the cosmos should visit the Pathani Samanta Planetarium. It provides a singular and instructive experience for visitors of all ages with its immersive planetarium performances, interactive displays, educational activities, stargazing events, and tranquil outdoor surroundings. The Pathani Samanta Planetarium should be on your travel itinerary if you’re interested in learning about astronomy, space sciences, or just taking in the outdoor atmosphere.