Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium was founded by the Bangalore City Corporation in 1989. Later in 1992, the administration of the Planetarium was entrusted to the newly formed autonomous body, the Bangalore Association for Science Education (BASE). It is devoted to dissemination of science among the public and the student community. On the premises of the Planetarium, BASE has established a Science Centre, which is serving as a nucleus for non-formal education. A Science Park is being developed in the area around the Planetarium.
Over the year, the Planetarium together with the Science Centre has evolved into a unique institution for the dissemination of science.
The Planetarium has a 15.0 mtrs diameter dome with a seating capacity of 2 1 0. It is equipped with 'Space master' Planetarium projector supplied by M/s. Carl-Zeiss, Jena, Germany. This projector projects the night sky as seen with naked "-eye on the dome. It can also project constellation pictures, Panoramas. It is used not only for the shows but also for teaching astronomy. Apart from this, slide projectors, video projectors, special effect projectors, etc., are also used for the shows,
Our sky-theatre shows are very popular attracting about 2.0 lakh visitors every year. The sky-theatre shows blend science with art. literature and cultural aspects of many countries. Apart from offering clear and informative accounts of science subjects these programmes also bring in historical backgrounds, modem developments and future prospects. Visuals such as Cartoons, Paintings,. Computer animations, video clippings and special effects are liberally used in the programmes.
Exhibition HallsExhibits displaying the versatile personality of Albert Einstein"
The Sky-theatre Programme is supported by a topical exhibition of posters. These have various details that could not be shown in the programme. The exhibitions have a high educational value to those who want to learn more about the topic. The exhibitions include Astro-photographs, Cartoons, Paintings and quotations.
Also on display are giant color pictures of Galaxies. Supernova remnants Nebulae etc. A set of paintings and sculptures are on permanent display.
A Weighing Scale shows one's weight on all the planets and also gives a print-out.
A Science kiosk donated by IBM, India is installed in the exhibition hall.
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The exhibition area houses a stall where one can buy books, science kits, models, telescopes, astro-photos, etc.
Science Park
A Science Park is being developed around the Planetarium. This provides an opportunity to visitors to learn some elements of science in a natural and playful manner. It is creating a right scientific ambience around the activities of the Planetarium that houses the, Science Centre. Some of the models on display are model of D.N.A, Resonant Swings, Whispering Dishes, Sun Dial, Giant Kaleidoscope, Model of a Polar Satellite Launching Vehicle (PSLV).
Association of Bangalore Amateur Astronomers (ABAA) is an independent, nonprofit making body housed in the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Bangalore. Members of the association meet once a week on Sundays at 6:00 pm. Access to the books and workshop is open during this time. Members also have informal ideas exchange, night sky watching through telescopes and other activities.
Telescope building is one of the important activities of ABAA. Members of ABAA do night sky observation, astro-photography, etc. - from "Shivanahalli" 35.00 kms from Bangalore where they have a 12" telescope amongst others to do observations.
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Know Your Stars
This activity takes place together with the Association of Bangalore Amateur Astronomers (ABAA) on first Sunday of every month. It begins with a lecture session in the sky-theatre where sky of that night is simulated. Stars, constellations and planets are identified. A star chart of that day is provided to all visitors and they are taught its use. The lecture is followed by a star, watching session using telescopes manned by amateur astronomers.
Viewing of special astronomical events
Arrangements are made for the public to view comets, solar eclipses and planetary transits etc. Portable telescopes are arranged in the open area and public watch events through these. During live coverage of such events happening elsewhere, video projectors are used to project the coverage on large screen for the public to see.
