Many consider Birla Planetarium a window that takes them through a nostalgic ride to their childhood. Nearly three and a half decades into its functioning, it’s also an experience savoured and valued better with time, given the timeless appeal of astronomy and its mythical value across epic texts. While curiosity subdues everything else for a first-time visitor at the planetarium, its attempt to inform, simplify and yet not dumb down scientific principles makes it a ‘one-of-a-kind’ experience. The fact that we now talk of education in terms of experiential learning signifies that the planetarium had arrived ahead of its time.
On the steep climb at the Birla Science Centre premises, school buses arrive every other day in a quest to egg students on to make most of this learning opportunity and infuse life into the space. Planetariums now warrant attention also for their adaptation to the times when technology is about inching closer to towards reality in terms of simulated experiences. Having been rated among the best planetarium experiences across the globe, the down side offers a picture of a dwindling audience that’s on the lookout for entertainment over edutainment. However, Director B G Siddharth disagrees: . “If a certain section wants to play video games, there’s another section that’s batting for infotainment (maybe it’s more rural).”
In terms of architectural value, the exterior, shaped like a dome, and the abundance of greenery rightly complement the planetarium. The gallery that leads to the auditorium serves as a reminder to its historical relevance, on how the space been a witness to talks, discoveries and changing tastes of its audiences over the years. “Astronomy and space are something that’s in our blood. Over the years, the curiosity is credited to the newer discoveries and ISRO’s creditable work,” the director adds.
While many simulated experiences have charted the digital path, the planetarium is amid a transition phase. “The truth is, there haven’t been vast changes in the planetarium equipment,” the team accepts. They’re aware of the versatility that digitisation offers to the creators and spectators, but also remind that the experience is still holistic with the conventional hardware-bound approach. The middle-road is what the planetarium aspires to take in its future course. The inclusion of more computer graphics, 3D-elements, digital work and simulations have been one step in that direction.
The planetarium experience available all-week is rendered in English, Hindi and Telugu languages. Besides the astronomic significance, the space is also a tourist attraction for the breathtaking view of the city it offers. Timely courses and talks around astronomy keep the space alive. Schools from various towns closer to Hyderabad too are regular audiences.
It’s also time to shed the perception that the planetarium is only for a young audience, the director feels. “The planetarium is meant to cater to a lay person regardless of the age group. They’re not experts, but citizens who’re curious. I would like to see this as a modern auditorium with state-of-art technology, that’s attractive and accessible. I think we’re halfway there,” the director exudes hope. Time for a date with the stars?
Birla Planetarium
Where: Adarsh Nagar
Established: 1985
Shows in: English, Hindi, Telugu
Ticket cost: ₹100