Asha Kiran Planetarium is the India’s first private Planetarium located in Laxminagar on the Ganeshpur road ,Hindalga in the Belagavi district of Karnataka. It was established in 9th January in the year 2009 by Professor C G Hukkeri, who for the passionate love for it started India’s first Private Planetarium.
The Planetarium is a School of Astronomy and Audio visual Education. The Planetarium has the capacity for an audience of 120 persons and is a boon for students from North Karnataka, South Maharashtra and Goa .
Asha Kiran Planetarium is spread over the top floor of a four storey building from where the sky observatory is on the terrace with some dedicated space of R&D as well. However, The 40 feet wide sky dome is built at a tilt of 30 degree for a wide angle view to look at the wonders of the galaxy which includes sun, moon, stars and the eclipses.
The primary purpose of the inauguration of the planetarium is for Astronomy Education, Public Awareness and mainly for Research Purpose. The planetarium serves as an educational hub for space science, offering immersive shows, workshops, and live sky observation sessions. The program covers various topics such as the birth of stars, the Solar System, and the search for extraterrestrial life, among others. It also features real-time visuals and animations that enhance the overall experience.
However, The planetarium include virtual reality experiences, hands-on workshops, and informative talks by experts in the field. For the people interested in delving deeper into space exploration, the Asha Kiran Planetarium also houses a science center with an impressive collection of artifacts, models, and interactive displays that offer an in-depth understanding of the cosmos and its mysteries.
The Asha Kiran Planetarium is not just a region for space lovers but also a place for astronomy education in Belagavi which offers a once in a lifetime experience to explore the universe up close. With its cutting-edge technology and informative programs, the planetarium offers an immersive and unforgettable experience for all space enthusiasts.
The History of Asha Kiran Planetarium: A Legacy of Astronomy.
Professor C G Hukkeri was a lecturer of Geography and in the year 1977,when he got married to Mrunalini ,they went on a trip to the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Mumbai. They planned and started to dream of establishing one Planetarium in Belagavi for the benefit of the school and college students of North Karnataka region and the nearby areas.
Later, Professor Hukkeri shifted to US as a lecturer of Geography and became a guest lecturer on Physics and Space. Meanwhile, Mr. Hukkeri had invested all his hard earned money for the competition of the novel project of the Planetarium. Additionally, it took more than 12 years to complete the project and make it a reality.
However, Ananad, an electrical engineer, son of Hukkeri has also taken active part in the realization and completion of the dream project of his parents. The programmes of the Planetarium includes visual programmes for Planetarium. The Planetarium offers special features which includes a tilted dome which was for the first time in India and a 30 degree video presentation, and a real sky observatory when the sky is clear.
With its spectacular light and sound effects, the Asha Kiran Star Show is an exciting experience for families and groups, making it a perfect destination for a fun outing in the planetarium.
Further Details:
| Category | Details |
| LOCATION | Located in Laxminagar on the Ganeshpur road ,Hindalga in the Belagavi district of Karnataka-591108, India. |
| VISITING HOURS | Monday-Friday:10:00 AM-5:00 PM Saturday: 4:00 PM-6:00 PM |
| ENTRY FEE | Rs 50 per person |
| FOUNDER | Professor C G Hukkeri , a prominent geography and science educator |
| MANAGED BY | Asha Kiran Trust |
| FACILITIES & FEATURES | 12 meter dome with a 30 degree tilt Sky Observatory Projection System (Discovery Dome, USA) Interactive Science Exhibits |
| SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS | Astronomy Shows Live Sky Workshops & Seminars Observation Sessions Educational Programs for School & Colleges |
| BOOKING | Advanced booking of the planetarium is required for group visits Special Discounts for students and Institutions Private shows available for the organizations |
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | Evening shows on Saturday for a better experience Winter months for clear night sky observations (usually from November to February) |
| SEATING CAPACITY | 120 seats |
| PHOTOGRAPHY RULES | Allowed in certain areas (not inside the dome during shows) |
| WEBSITES AND SOCIAL MEDIA | No Official Website (Check Local Listings for further Updates) |
Additionally, the planetarium gives to explore the wonders of the universe and expand the knowledge on astronomy and space exploration meanwhile, the Asha Kiran Planetarium in Belagavi is the ideal place to visit.
For more details you can contact: 9900180923/ 988677292 or email : akplanetarium.com.
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