Discovered on Saturday: Nehru planetarium, New Delhi
After a light morning drizzle, Saturday morning saw the kids and me heading off to the Nehru Planetarium.
What are planets? Why did a solar eclipse happen? Why can’t I go to Mars on a plane?
If you’ve tried answering a stream of similar questions from a curious 8-year old, you know why we went! J
There was also a bit of nostalgia at play. As a kid growing up in Delhi, a visit to the Nehru planetarium was an essential ‘school outing’ for us! I was curious to see if the place was still as interesting as I remembered it to be.
Crossing the gates was like entering another lush-green world. Many children stood gawking at a “rocket” [India’s first PSLV launch vehicle] a towering reminder of our space mission!
The planetarium’s a mixed bag: working models of the galaxy, photographs of the solar system, a recording of India’s first astronaut speaking to the then Prime Minister, the night sky etc. All displays had signs in Hindi and English.
The facility regularly organises topical exhibitions and competitions.
We saw an interesting exhibit on solar eclipses recorded through history: in Mughal art, ancient texts [religious and literature], and early scientific recordings etc. Simple drawings made it easy for children to understand why eclipses take place.
Another wall was a riot of colour and imagination. Winning posters from a painting competition for children were up right next to entrance of the theatre.
Short movies are shown at the dome-shaped theatre which has a futuristic-looking projector located in the centre. When the lights dim and a starry sky appears on the dome, an unmistakable wow rises from the audience! The short movie costs Rs. 15 per head and is shown in both Hindi and English
Unlike many public places, the staff was friendly and helpful. The location is easy to find, safe and well connected.
However, like most museums in Delhi, the planetarium needs much better maintenance: post-monsoon a leaky roof and musty interiors don’t bode well for the exhibits, some of which e.g. a space suit, had a thick layer of dust.
With so many kids visiting, the management needs to ensure that working models are checked and repaired regularly to prevent any mishaps.
The movie’s Hindi voice-over had ‘scientific terms’ that only Hindi scholars may fathom! While the visuals were stunning, I saw many kids nudging their parents constantly for explanation.
I was glad to see that the facility remains true to its purpose of welcoming children into the world of astronomy and being affordable to the widest cross-section of people. The tiny bookshop stocked a variety of children’s books on science and astronomy, panchatantra tales and even small telescopes!
My kids enjoyed the movie! The sheer wonder they felt made the visit worth it!
They’ve also discovered that mankind has reached the stars – so I’m expecting questions on ‘can we get a ride on the next space shuttle?’
J
Recommendation: Visit/ Avoid
VISIT
Useful links:
Tourist guide to Nehru Planetarium http://bit.ly/Lg3L0
Directions: Google Maps http://bit.ly/14dn8h
