Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru Dec 21: The much awaited 3D Planetarium currently under construction at Pilikula is likely to be open for the public by January end or February first week, said State Minister for Planning, Statistics, Science and Technology M R Seetharam.
Seetharam was in the city to review the progress of the planetarium and other works.
Addressing the media persons at the DC’s office on December 21, he said that the Planetarium will be named after Swami Vivekananda and is built at a cost of Rs 35.60 crore.
The 3D planetarium will be the first-of-its-kind in India and 21st across the world, with all the latest technical specifications. The 3D hybrid planetarium is unique in terms of its specifications. The new planetarium will be unidirectional with a dome diameter of 18 meters and will present modern inventions coupled with 3D technology, to students and science enthusiasts. The planetarium has a capacity to seat 200 people, he said.
The project started with an estimated budget of Rs 24.50 crore and later it was extended to Rs 35.60 crore. The new planetarium will have Megastar IIA optical projector from Ohira Tech Japan integrated with digistar and active stereo 3D 8K digital planetarium system from Evans and Sutherland Computer Corporation.
The optical megastar star projector creates a beautiful, almost real star field and makes planets, the sun and moon visible to the naked eye. The 8K resolution digistar system uses five Christie Mirage projectors seamlessly blended together using E&S auto alignment and auto blending systems that will keep the imagery looking expertly aligned. Pilikula Development Authority will look after this planetarium, the minister said.
“Pilikula is the best place to have Swami Vivekananda 3D Planetarium. The place is famous for its biological park, heritage village and a science centre. The place is a tourists' attraction as well. We are planning to inaugurate it by January end or February first week as per the availability of Chief Minister. We are also dedicating 2D planetariums at Hubballi, Bagalkote and Vijayapura, while a mini planetarium and science centre will be built in Coorg. A proposal has been sent to construct a 2D planetarium at Gadag too," he informed.
The application for staff recruitment has been invited and so far 72 applications have been received, he said.
“M R Seetharam has shown keen interest in construction of 3D planetarium in Pilikula. State government had sanctioned Rs 36 crore for the new planetarium and this is first of its kind in the country. The government has sanctioned a special grant of Rs 5 crore for the road extension from Vamanjoor junction to Pilikula entrance for which foundation stone has been laid. A sum of Rs 2 crore has been sanctioned for connecting an internal road which leads to Pilikula,” said MLA J R Lobo.
Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil said “This planetarium has an advanced technology. It will be huge gift for young children."