Odisha govt plans major upgrade of Bhubaneswar planetarium; new facility in Nayagarh too

The Pathani Samanta Planetarium in Bhubaneswar is scheduled to undergo a significant upgrade and modernisation after the Odisha government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), which operates under the Ministry of Culture. 

The aim of this effort is to develop the Pathani Samanta Planetarium into a world-class centre for astronomy education and science outreach, officials said.

According to The Times of India, work on the upgradation is expected to be completed in about one and a half years, and the planetarium will remain closed to visitors during this period.

Urmiprava Maharana, director of the Pathani Samanta Planetarium, said that civil construction work has already started. However, she noted that software and technical enhancements will take more time. 

“…But the software upgradation work of the institution will take time. The MoU was signed last week. The NCSM will submit a detailed project report for the upgradation work within six months,” she said.

Officials from the science and technology department said the project will include the installation of a new hybrid system integrated into the current dome and its supporting structure. 

Plans also call for an outdoor light and sound show with original content that can be updated regularly, and the creation of an interactive science gallery. A space simulator experience based on virtual reality will also be added.

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The planetarium, which opened on January 8, 1990, is named after the renowned astronomer Pathani Samanta. Shows here are typically screened in Odia, English and Hindi every day except Monday.

In addition to the Bhubaneswar upgrade, the Mohan Majhi government has approved the establishment of a new planetarium in Khandapada, located in Nayagarh district- the birthplace of Samanta- with a budget of Rs 8.5 crore.