Mysore/Mysuru: On the University of Mysore (UoM) campus at the foot of Chamundi Hill, the Institute of Astrophysics will build a Planetarium. Prof. G. Hemanth Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, University of Mysore (UoM), and Annapurni Subramaniam, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru director, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on this matter.
The Planetarium will be named after Sri Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar. This new initiative is expected to attract travelers, particularly school children, from both a scientific and a tourist perspective.
Using the funds provided by the government, a Planetarium will be built in Vijanan Bhavan and will host programs aimed at attracting young talent.
Prof. G. Hemanth Kumar, who signed the MoU, stated that the Indian Institute of Astrophysics would build a state-of-the-art Planetarium to encourage science and technology in the region. Although there are over 40 Planetariums in India, including one in Bengaluru, Mysore University will be the first to have one, he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. G. Hemanth Kumar, said, “An Astrophysics Planetarium would be built in Mysuru. Three acres of land is reserved for this purpose near the foothills of Chamundi. There is a planetarium in Bengaluru. Similarly, another planetarium will be set up in Mysuru, with the support of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.”
“Several types of research and studies are going on in the field of Astrophysics. Many students are researching this field. Hence, this new planetarium will be of great help to such students and researchers. The foundation stone laying ceremony will be held in the next month. An office will be opened at the Vignana Bhavan here,” he added.
A three-acre plot of land has been set aside at the Chamundi foothill on the Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar campus, where the University already possesses a 22-acre property. The Bhoomi Puja (ground-breaking ceremony) will take place next month, and a Planetarium office will be established at Vijnana Bhavan, according to the VC.
According to the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Mysore and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, the latter will entirely support the cost of construction, as well as several outreach programs and periodic lectures on astronomy, astrophysics, and allied fields.
Prof. Annapurni Subramaniam gave a special talk on “Astronomy and Astrophysics: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics of the Universe”, earlier.
Prof. A.P. Gnana Prakash, Director of the UoM Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Board (PMEB), Prof. N.K. Lokanath, Prof. Malini, Prof. Venkataramaiah, and others were in attendance.
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