Mobile planetarium has a Kayankulam stop

Alappuzha: A mobile planetarium which illustrates celestial events, solar systems and different aspects of astronomy  introduced a novel experience to the students of  Angels Arc English Medium School near Kayamkulam here on Wednesday.

The 45-min show,  that can be watched by 35 students at a time, is conducted in a dome filled with gas and is the  first of its kind in the state.  The gas filled dome is attached to digital equipments.

According to the Pankanj Sharma, regional manager of Orange education, a unit of Saraswati Vidyalaya, New Delhi, which conducts the programme,  “The show enables  students to  learn  of  the 'wonders of universe' and create an impetus among them to consider a  future in astrophysics.

As children are curious about the creation of stars, galaxy and solar system, it will provide them with some knowledge about it,” he explains.  The  planetarium comes equipped with an inflatable portable dome, a projector and telescopes and will  go to schools across the country to conduct the shows.

“There are two ‘dome-teams’ that will move across the country with a view to spreading knowledge about astronomy. This is the first show to be conducted  in  Kerala.

The next will be held in Kochi in the coming days  before  the team  leaves for Coimbatore. The show has  received a tremendous response from the students. We are  also  providing booklets and textbooks on astrophysics,” said Sharma.

“It is the easiest way to  introduce students to the developments in  space as the children in rural areas get limited information on astronomy. The purpose of the show  is to attract children to the world of planets and stars. The show teaches them that the stars are brighter than they appear to the naked eye. It provides a true picture of the sky,” said Sobhana Sanjiv, the principal of the school.

Adding, “Considering  the lack of facility to learn about astronomy, we now look forward to cultivate and promote a scientific temper among students by conducting such innovative space-related shows. Once they get a taste of  it, they may like to delve deeper into it. We  believe such shows are integral  in  sparking  off young talents,”  the principal pointed out.

After watching the show students like Shilpa Varghese, Sneha Saji, Arya Lekshmi and Hari Lekshim, said  they had found  convincing information on the changing colours of stars, functioning of the solar system and the galaxies. “The programme has given us inspiration  to  learn more about astronomy. We want to become astrophysicists,” they said excitedly.