Ocean Gallery soon to adorn Regional Science Centre and Planetarium

KOZHIKODE: The work on the ocean gallery at the Regional Science Centre and Planetarium here is nearing completion.  The Ocean Gallery, which explains the complex world of marine life in simple ways using interactive models, a first of its kind in Kerala, will replace the Human Endurance gallery. The centre's director V. S. Ramachandran said its completion is expected next month at the cost of Rs 50 lakh.  At present, the only ocean galleries functioning in India are in Lucknow and Goa. “It would help the public and students to better understand the complex scientific phenomena of ocean life and its characteristics in a simpler way," he told DC.

“Despite taking most of the planet's space, oceans are still highly unexplored," said RSC technical officer Jayant Ganguly. "The interactive exhibits, large marine and sweet water live aquaria, video displays, multimedia games and scenic recreations here not only explain the concepts of underwater phenomena but vast resources held there in terms of food, minerals, energy, medicine, transport, tourism, sports, trade and so on.” The gallery would have various sections dealing with mythology related to ocean, continental drift and plate tectonic theories, frozen ocean concept, physical and chemical nature of water in the sea, coral reefs and the biodiversity, marine migration, ocean current, marine archaeology, mud bank phenomena (chaakara), etc.