Planetarium in Kozhikode set to go hybrid

The Planetarium in Kozhikode, attached to the Regional Science Centre, is set to go hybrid soon. A fully integrated, fully functional, full-dome 2D immersive hybrid planetarium will be operational in less than a year, much to the delight of science enthusiasts in the city, especially children.

Minnal Munikumar Balaji, project coordinator, the Regional Science Centre and Planetarium, said a digital projector of international standards, alongside a regular projector, will be installed at the planetarium. “With this, we will be able to offer real-time night sky observations as well as recorded videos,” he added, noting that the dome and chairs will also be replaced.

The project is expected to cost between ₹20 and 22 crore, for which tenders have been floated. “The manufacturers need to customise the equipment to suit local preferences, including content in Malayalam, as well as Hindi and English,” Mr. Balaji said.

The Planetarium in Kozhikode is one of the most popular in the country and also the second largest. The new upgrade is expected to provide visitors with a clearer and more precise visual and auditory experience. The planetarium, which comes under the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), is an autonomous society functioning under the Union Ministry of Culture.