Chandigarh, May 11, 2015: Haryana Science and Technology has decided to upgrade Kalpana Chawla Memorial Planetarium in Kurukshetra with the latest technology and provide online ticket booking facility for Planetarium shows and cafeteria for the convenience of visitors besides adding new shows.
While stating this here today, Principal Secretary, Science and Technology, Sumita Misra said that with new explorations in the field of science and technology, it has become necessary to keep the planetarium infrastructure up to date so as to provide the masses with the latest information. The process for renovation of the exhibition gallery has also been initiated, she added.
Misra said that in November 1997, Kalpana Chawla became first Indian woman in space during NASA mission. It was a proud moment for the nation but especially for the state as she belonged to city of Karnal. She again went to space during NASA mission but unfortunately could not return as the space shuttle Columbia crashed during the return journey to earth.
She said that in her memory, Kalpana Chawla Memorial Planetarium was set up at Kurukshetra at total cost of Rs 6.50 crore shared by both Haryana Government and Central Government on 50:50 basis. Set up in July 2007, the Planetarium is acting as an educational aid in the field of astronomy for the general masses and students in particular. Every year on an average 1.15 lakh visitors visit planetarium which also includes students and tourists from other states, she added.
Giving details of the shows, she said that full dome planetarium shows with 360° display are shown on hemispherical screen with digital projection system. Seating capacity inside the planetarium is 118 seats. Fifty percent discount is allowed to the student groups on entry tickets. Two shows of 25 minutes each titled "Oasis in Space" and "Astronaut" are shown to visitors on alternate timings. The timings of regular shows are 11 am, 12 noon, 1 pm, 2 pm and 3.30 pm. Apart from regular show timings shows are also conducted on special timings in Hindi and English languages for groups are per their requirement. Planetarium remains closed on Mondays and national holidays.
She said that an Exhibition Gallery has also been set up which consists of interactive exhibits based on astronomy. A special part of the Gallery has been dedicated to Dr. Kalpana Chawla which details her life right from her childhood to her NASA missions, she added. / (SK Vyas, Jalandhar)