Pathani Samanta Planetarium: A Gateway to the Cosmos

Named after the celebrated Odia astronomer Mahamahopadhyaya Chandrasekhar Singh Harichandan Mohapatra Samanta (Pathani Samanta), the Pathani Samanta Planetarium in Bhubaneswar is dedicated to spreading awareness and knowledge of astronomy and space science. Established in 1990 by the Science and Technology Department of the Odisha Government, the planetarium offers a range of activities, including regular shows, night sky viewing, audio-visual programs, and displays of astronomical devices. The planetarium, located near Apollo Hospitals in Acharya Vihar, features a distinctive round building with a dome-shaped top. Inside, a fully air-conditioned auditorium can accommodate up to 178 visitors for immersive shows. These shows, which run for approximately 30 to 40 minutes, are presented in Odia, Hindi, and English. Topics range from the solar system to the mysteries of the night sky. The planetarium also organizes 'Sky Watch' programs during lunar and solar eclipses and other special celestial events. Beyond the shows, visitors can explore model-based thematic displays of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars. The campus also includes an astronomy park with a statue of Pathani Samanta and a sundial. The planetarium has a library with books on science, technology, and the environment. Since 2007, the planetarium has conducted the 'Young Astronomer Talent Search' (YATS) program in collaboration with TATA STEEL, encouraging students to explore space science.