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The Dr Nanasaheb Upasani Planetarium, located at the Abhinava Primary School of the Adarsh Shikshan Mandali (ASM) in Erandwane, was officially opened to the public on Sunday. Arvind Paranjpye, the director of the Nehru Planetarium in Mumbai, along with Suresh Naik, the former Group Director of ISRO, and several other distinguished guests, inaugurated the facility.
Speaking at the event held on August 10, Paranjpye said, “After the Digital Planetariums started in 2003, there has been a lot of technological innovation. With the opening of ASM’s project, a real sky-like immersive experience can be enjoyed by students and enthusiasts in the heart of Pune. Being aligned with NEP 2020, it will help create curiosity in children’s minds and will help in research as well.”
Advanced technology powering Digistar 2025 planetarium
“The planetarium comes with the latest technology and infrastructure for a theatrical experience with a 360-degree view. The projection system installed is Digistar 2025 from Evans and Sutherland, USA, the first of its kind in the country,” said Abhijit Shetye, director of Infovision Technology, which facilitated the installation.
The initiative is the creation of Sudheer Upsani, who aimed to promote effective learning in astronomy as well as other subjects within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in an engaging and interactive manner. Additionally, it has a seating capacity of 50.
“The project has multiple built-in programmes which can seamlessly access shows from ISRO, NASA and European Space agencies, use dome-casting for live programmes, and comes with an in-built show-building software,” Paranjpye added.
The initiative has been successfully concluded with a contribution from the Vidyalakshmi Foundation, a private trust managed by the relatives of the late educationist Dr Nanasaheb Upasani, who was the inaugural president of ASM.
Additionally, the school has incorporated a Planetarium session into the weekly schedule for ASM students in grades 5 through 8 and has also founded an astronomy club.
Milestone for astronomy education in India
The establishment of the Digistar 2025 Planetarium Pune marks a significant step in promoting astronomy education in India. IUCAA, a premier institution for astronomical research, aims to use the planetarium to bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and public understanding.
The facility will offer tailored programmes for school students, including interactive sessions that align with academic curricula, fostering curiosity about the universe among young learners.“This planetarium is not just a technological marvel but a gateway to inspire the next generation of scientists,” said an IUCAA spokesperson during the inauguration. The facility will also host specialised workshops and lectures by renowned astronomers, further enhancing its role as an educational hub.
The dome
The Digistar 2025 Planetarium Pune is equipped with the globally renowned Digistar 2025 system, developed by Evans & Sutherland, a leader in digital planetarium technology. This advanced system features a 10-meter tilted dome, six high-resolution projectors, and a 10.2 surround sound system, creating a fully immersive environment that transports visitors into the depths of the universe. Unlike traditional planetariums, the Digistar 2025 offers dynamic, real-time visualisations of celestial phenomena, from star fields to distant galaxies, making it a powerful tool for both education and entertainment.
The planetarium’s dome, constructed by the Indian firm Sky Theatre, adheres to international standards, ensuring a seamless and visually stunning experience. According to IUCAA officials, the facility can accommodate up to 104 visitors per show, with sessions designed to cater to students, researchers, and the general public.
“A dedicated website will be launched shortly, containing essential information about dome-casting slots. And people will be able to book shows through the website on weekends,” said Rajashree Telkar from ASM.