Pune's Astronomical Leap: Unveiling of Dr. Nanasaheb Upasani Planetarium
Pune's education takes a cosmic leap with the launch of the Dr. Nanasaheb Upasani Planetarium, showcasing the universe like never before.
The starry veil of Pune’s nighttime sky has found a new companion. Nestled within the bustling grounds of the Abhinava Vidyalaya English Medium High School, Kothrud, the Dr. Nanasaheb Upasani Planetarium has opened its celestial doors to the public. The launch whispers a promise of future cosmic adventures, as it stands as the city’s first digital planetarium ready to unveil the wonders of the universe.
A Stellar Gateway to Knowledge
The planetarium, birthed under the esteemed Adarsh Shikshan Mandali, promises a galaxy of learning opportunities. Besides presenting the night sky’s dazzling show, its mission is to navigate the realms of science and technology with innovative displays. The ethos of education is strong here—each show is a lesson, and every cosmic event a textbook. The Digistar 2025 system, an advanced marvel, projects the universe onto a domed screen, creating an immersive classroom that defies gravity and reality.
The Minds Behind the Stars
The launch event drew eminent figures from the scientific and educational community. Arvind Paranjpe, director of Nehru Planetarium, and key contributors like Avinash Pradhan, shed light on the planetarium’s significance. A heartfelt homage was paid to Dr. Nanasaheb Upasani, whose legacy inspired his family’s generous contribution to this astronomical endeavor. The culmination is a testament to collaboration, encompassing efforts from local and global players, with technology by US-based ES, installed thoughtfully by Infovision in India.
Dreams Written in Stars
Sudhir Upasani’s financial endowment in memory of his father echoed a universal truth—the pursuit of knowledge is a celestial duty. The planetarium’s commitment to this duty is evident in its state-of-the-art facilities, including a full-dome projection, air-conditioned comfort, and seating for 50 eager explorers.
Opening the Cosmic Curtain
The eagerly awaited public exhibits will launch next month, extending shows beyond its initial audience of schools and colleges. From September, the general public can partake in this celestial symphony on holidays, aligning their schedules with cosmos rhythms.
Educational Horizons
With the Dr. Nanasaheb Upasani Planetarium, Pune steps into a new age of educational enrichment. The expansive galaxy of topics covers not just astronomy but crosses into the realms of earth science, chemistry, and physics, woven together with the universe’s fabric. As stated in The Times of India, “It’s not just about watching the stars but understanding the wonders they signify.”
As Pune glances upwards, this planetarium pledges a future where cosmic education is not just a curriculum topic but a vivid experience. In this corner of Kothrud, under the dome, ideas soar and dreams are infinitely vast, much like the universe itself.