Fireworks @ Bangalore

Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium was established by the Bangalore City Corporation in 1989. In 1992, the administration of the Nehru Planetarium was entrusted to the newly formed autonomous body, the Bangalore Association for Science Education (BASE). Its primary aim is “to disseminate science among the public and the student community.” BASE has formed a Science Centre, which is serving as a nucleus for in-formal education.

Over a period of time, the Planetarium together with the Science Centre has evolved into a unique institution for imparting of scientific knowledge. The entrance fee is charged @ 25 per person, confessional school picnic packages are provided. Video or photography not allowed inside auditorium. Outside plenty of materials can be shot.

Special shows can be organized by BASE @ 10.30 am. The public show timings are as follows :

Kannada : 11.30 am & 2.45 am
English : 12.45 pm & 4.30 pm
Entry Fee: Rs25.00 per head
Parking : FREE

The Planetarium has a 15.0 meters diameter dome with a seating capacity of 210 persons. It is equipped with 'Space master' Planetarium projector supplied by M/s. Carl-Zeiss, Jena, Germany. Mumbai planetarium has advanced equipment though upgraded in 2003. This projector projects the night sky as seen with naked "-eye on the dome. It can also project constellation pictures, Panoramas. Galaxies,

The sky-theatre shows blends science with art. Literature and cultural aspects of many countries. Apart from offering informative on science subjects these programmes add historical backgrounds, modem developments and future vision. Cartoons, Paintings, Computer animations, video clippings and special effects are liberally used.

The Sky-theatre Programme is supported by a topical exhibition of posters. 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.

Big color posters 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 @ a small price of Rs 5/- per printout is handed out.

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 inculcating right scientific temperament among children. 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. Maybe questions on UFO can be discussed @ forum.

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.
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.

Welcome to the fireworks @ sky in Bangalore, visit Nehru Planetarium