Welcome To Pathani Samanta Planetarium
Pathani Samanta Planetarium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha is one of the few places in the country that conduct shows in Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Science and programmes to generate awareness among people and student community on physical concept of stars, planets and galaxies that make up the universe. It provides an understanding of the physical nature of various celestial bodies and their positions in the space.
Our country had an eminent and illustrious scholar in the field of Astronomy in the name of Mahamahopadhyaya Chandrasekhar Simha Harichandan Mohapatra Samanta, popularly known as Pathani Samanta (13th December 1835 – 11th June 1904) in Odisha. He worked in Astronomy following traditional methods, completely unaware of the telescope and the other astronomical aids. His studies and observation were recorded in a valuable classic, “The Sidhanta Darpana” composed in beautiful metrical Sanskrit verse. The results of his observations are comparable with modern data. In view of all these Samanta Chandrasekhara stands out as a great naked eye astronomer. Pathani Samanta Planetarium named after him was established on 8th January 1990. The Planetarium inbuilt over 5 acres patch of land and situated near Acharya Vihar Square, Bhubaneswar. It has a 12 diameter dome and an auditorium with a seating capacity for 178 persons. The Planetarium runs 6 days per week where Monday is a holiday. Everyday usually four shows are conducted between 2 pm to 6 pm in different languages – two in Odia, One in hindi and one in English (2.00 pm and 5.00 pm in Odia, 3.00 pm in Hindi and 4.00 pm in English). Special shows are held from 11.30 AM to 1.30 PM on prior request to Planetarium Authority. Each show’s duration is approximately of 30 to 40 minutes. Other than the regular shows, the Planetarium also conducts “Safe Sky Watch” Program during Solar and Lunar Eclipse and on the days of rare astronomical events. Pathani Samanta Planetarium organizes “Young Astronomer Talent Search” (YATS) program every year since, 2007 in collaboration with TATA STEEL.
About Dr. Abdul Kalam Azaad Planetarium, Burla
The second Planetarium of Odisha is situated at Burla in the district of Sambalpur. It is named after the Rocket Scientist and 12th President of India, Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam. It was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Naveen Patnaik on 22nd September, 2017. The Planetarium auditorium is housed at the 1st floor of the building with a seat capacity for 142 visitors. The Dome diameter of the planetarium is 12 meter. With the help of a centrally air conditioned auditorium with Digistar-5 Digital Planetarium Equipment, Planetarium shows are displayed in three different languages such as Odia, Hindi and English. Planetarium remains open from 11.00 AM to 6.00 PM every day leaving weekend Holiday, Monday and except Holi and Diwali. Full dome Video shows with unidirectional seat arrangement attract students and public in large number. There is an Evolution Park (Science Park) inside the premises of Planetarium comprising of many interactive models for popularization of science and awareness of public and student community.
About Pathani Samanta Museum, Khandapara
As a tribute to Samanta Chandrasekhar, the great naked eye Astronomer of eastern Odisha, a Museum has been set up by Science and Technology Department named as Pathani Samanta Museum at Khandapara. It has been set up with a built-up area of 6000 (Six thousand) square feet covering the entire life and works of Samanta Chandra Sekhar with special reference to ancient Astronomy. Twenty nine Panels thirteen models have been installed inside the Museum for awareness of common mass and popularization of Astronomy.
Future projects
- Six new Planetaria are coming up in the districts of Ganjam, Rayagada, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Balangir and Keonjhar.
- Space Science Gallery will come up shortly with technical support from Space Application Centre (SAC), ISRO. Ahmadabad inside the premises of Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Bhubaneswar.
- Models, Kiosks, panels, Interactive exhibits etc pertaining to Space Science and Artificial satellites will be installed inside the space gallery.
- A Gallery pertaining to Hall of Nuclear Power in the pipe line and will come up with financial support from Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), Mumbai.
