Patna: Visitors to the city’s planetarium will soon be able to observe planets and celestial events through a high-powered telescope, as authorities prepare to install the equipment on the facility’s rooftop from May.
The telescope, being set up at an estimated cost of Rs 1 crore, is expected to offer direct viewing of planets, moons and other astronomical phenomena. Equipped with advanced lenses and tracking technology, the fixed installation is intended to deepen public engagement with space science and create awareness about celestial activity.
Officials said the initiative would allow students, researchers and the general public to explore the mysteries of the universe more closely. Alongside the telescope, an astronomy park is also being developed within the planetarium complex. The park will present scientific concepts such as the sundial, time calculation and the Earth’s motion in simplified formats to enhance understanding.
The planetarium currently hosts eight daily shows at its Sky Theater, including six in Hindi and two in English. The programmes focus on science, space and environmental themes.
Its flagship production, “We Are Stars”, traces the origins of the universe and explores the evolution of the sun, stars, satellites, plants and human life. The Voyager show examines NASA’s Voyager mission and provides insights into the planets of the solar system and their moons.
Other popular features include “Life of Trees”, which introduces children to the environmental importance of forests and plant life, and “Asteroid Mission”, which explains the risks posed by celestial bodies and measures used to mitigate them.
Officials say the new telescope and astronomy park are expected to further strengthen the planetarium’s role as a centre for science education and public outreach.
