Birla Planetarium

The Birla Planetarium, the second-biggest planetarium in the world and one of Kolkata’s most well-known attractions, is the most ancient and biggest planetarium in Asia. The planetarium is a short walk from Park Street Circle, the Maidan metro station, and the well-known Victoria Memorial. It is also close to St. Paul’s Cathedral. The planetarium’s design is somewhat inspired by Sanchi Stupa.\

It was constructed in 1962 and is known by the name Taramandal. Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the country’s then-prime minister, opened the beautiful structure. The planetarium regularly hosts one-hour programmes in the three primary languages of Bengali, Hindi, and English about the wonders of the world and facts about galaxies throughout the day. There are occasionally broadcasts in additional regional languages.

Birla Planetarium’s Architecture

Sanchi Stupa’s architectural design served as inspiration for the Birla Planetarium’s design. From a distance, the enormous dome is clearly visible and is not difficult to identify. The first projector for the Universal Planetarium was made by Carl Zeiss in Germany, and it served 25 million visitors over the course of its 52-year lifespan and 100,000 hours of operation.

Following the planetarium’s refurbishment in the year 2017, newest and the most sophisticated “Carl Zeiss projection system” was installed. It included “Start Master ZMP Opto Mechanical” and nine VELVET digital projectors which are very high in resolution. It can accurately imitate the night sky and is known as a complete dome projection. Nine modern full dome projectors in total work together to provide the appearance of the cosmos.

The planetarium’s magnificent AstroTec (USA) 23-meter-diameter dome, which has a capacity for 688 guests at once and is composed of highly precise aluminium, is stunning. The planetarium is surrounded by columns, giving the impression that it is a miniature colosseum. The planetarium complex’s beautifully landscaped grounds are stunning to look at.

A large collection of famous scientists’ celestial models, as well as exquisite artworks, are shown in an astronomy gallery. A C14 telescope, along with a solar filter and ST6 CCD Camera, is part of the planetarium’s astronomical observatory.

The late Mr. J.Dalmiya, the ex-BCCI president, gave ML Dalmiya and Co. the order to build the planetarium.

Birla Planetarium shows in Kolkata

Birla Planetarium was created as a foundation to act as an organization that focused on the study of sciences and research. It was actually the second planetarium to be founded in a Commonwealth nation and the first in Asia.

There are numerous shows included. English, Bengali, and Hindi are the three main language within which the programs are broadcast. The “Zodiac Signs and Stars,” “Journey of Antarctic,” and “New View of Solar System” shows are presented on a regular basis. ‘Our Universe’ has gained the highest popularity and demand since its makeover. Visitors to this specially created presentation will have an experience resembling being in a spaceship. Another excellent programme to see is one called “Cosmic Collisions.”

One distinctive feature of Birla Planetarium Kolkata is the habit of giving live lectures while the shows are taking place. This technique not only provides additional details to all visitors, whether they are students or tourists, but it also allows them to speak with industry specialists.