Overview of Birla Planetarium Chennai
Birla Planetarium Chennai is a modern planetarium located in Kotturpuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It was built in 1988 in memory of the great industrialist and visionary of India, B. M. Birla. The planetarium is considered the most modern planetarium in India, providing a virtual tour of the night sky and holding cosmic shows on a specially perforated hemispherical aluminum inner dome.
The planetarium has a sky theatre with a hemispherical dome, where visitors can see various astronomical objects in the universe. These shows are run in both Tamil and English. It also organizes audio-visual programs on different astronomical themes. The planetarium is part of the Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Centre, which also includes the Periyar Science and Technology Center.
Birla Planetarium Chennai is located close to Guindy National Park, making it a wonderful place for stargazing. The planetarium is easily accessible from various parts of Chennai. The nearest railway station is Chennai Central Railway Station, and the nearest metro and MRTS station is Koyambedu.
The planetarium is open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 5:45 PM on all days except on national holidays. The entry fee for adults is INR 60 and for children is INR 30. The planetarium is a popular place for school trips in Chennai and a wonderful place for exploring the galleries and parks.
Birla Planetarium Chennai has been a center of innovation and excellence in the field of astronomy and space science. It has collaborated with various organizations such as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to organize workshops and exhibitions. The planetarium has also hosted various events and seminars on astronomy and space science, which have been attended by experts and enthusiasts from all over the country.
Getting There
Birla Planetarium is located in Kotturpuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is easily accessible by various modes of transportation.
By Bus
Several buses run to Kotturpuram from different parts of Chennai. Visitors can take a bus to Kotturpuram Bus Stop, which is just a few minutes walk from the Planetarium.
By Auto and Taxi
Autos and taxis are readily available throughout the city. Visitors can hire an auto or taxi to reach the Planetarium. It takes around 25-30 minutes to reach Birla Planetarium from Chennai Central Railway Station by auto or taxi.
By Cab
Visitors can also book a cab through various cab providers such as Ola, Uber, and others to reach the Planetarium.
By Train
Chennai has an extensive railway network, and visitors can reach the city by train. The nearest railway station to the Planetarium is Chennai Egmore Railway Station, which is around 8 km away. Visitors can hire an auto or taxi from the railway station to reach the Planetarium.
By Metro
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is a rapid transit system that connects different parts of the city. The nearest metro station to the Planetarium is Kotturpuram Metro Station, which is just a few minutes walk from the Planetarium.
Overall, visitors can reach Birla Planetarium easily by bus, auto, taxi, cab, train, or metro.
Timings and Entry Fee
Birla Planetarium Chennai is open every day from 10 AM to 5.45 PM, including weekends and festivals, except for national holidays. The planetarium offers 3D shows in both English and Tamil languages. The timings for the English shows are 10.45 AM, 1.15 PM, and 3.45 PM, while for Tamil shows, the timings are 12 PM, 2.30 PM, and 4 PM.
The entry fee for the Science Centre is INR 30 for adults and INR 15 for children below 12 years. The 3D shows cost INR 20 for adults and INR 10 for children below 12 years. The planetarium also offers a package that includes all the above for INR 60 for adults and INR 30 for children below 12 years. Bulk booking of school students up to +2, with a minimum of 50 students, can avail of the child package for INR 30.
It is recommended to check the official website or contact the planetarium for any changes in timings or fees before visiting. Overall, the entry fee is reasonable, and the timings allow visitors to plan their trip accordingly.
Exhibits and Shows
Birla Planetarium Chennai offers a range of exhibits and shows that are both educational and entertaining. Visitors can explore the wonders of astronomy and space science through various exhibits and shows, including:
- Solar System: A fascinating exhibit that takes visitors on a journey through our solar system, exploring the planets, their moons, and other celestial bodies.
- Cycle of Stars: This exhibit explores the life cycle of stars, from their birth to their eventual death.
- Sky and Seasons: Visitors can learn about the daily, annual, and latitudinal motions of the Earth, as well as the precessional motion of the equinoxes.
- Comets: Learn about these fascinating objects that travel through our solar system, and how they have been observed throughout history.
- Man on the Moon: This exhibit explores the history of human spaceflight, with a focus on the Apollo missions that landed humans on the moon.
In addition to these exhibits, Birla Planetarium Chennai also offers a range of shows that cover a variety of astronomical phenomena. Visitors can enjoy audio-visual programs, visual sky shows, and cosmic shows that explore topics such as eclipses, meteor showers, and the winter sky.
The planetarium also offers a 3D science movie that takes visitors on a virtual tour of the night sky and a science park that features fun mirrors, toy cars, and other interactive exhibits.
Visitors can also explore the galleries at the Periyar Science and Technology Centre, which houses exhibits on electronics and communications, energy, life science, innovation, transport, international dolls and children, and materials science. The Hall of fame features portraits of famous scientists, while the astronomy section includes exhibits on cosmic phenomena and stargazing.
Overall, Birla Planetarium Chennai is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in astronomy and space science. With its range of exhibits and shows, visitors can explore the wonders of the universe in a fun and engaging way.
Educational Visits
Birla Planetarium Chennai is an excellent destination for educational visits, especially for school students. The planetarium offers a range of shows and exhibits that provide an immersive and interactive experience for children to learn about astronomy and science.
The planetarium has a dedicated Science Centre with over 500 exhibits that cover various topics such as physics, chemistry, biology, and space science. The exhibits are designed to be interactive and engaging, making learning fun and exciting for children.
In addition to the Science Centre, the planetarium also offers regular shows that cover a range of topics related to astronomy and space science. The shows are available in English and Tamil and are designed to be informative and entertaining.
For school trips, the planetarium offers special packages that include entry to the Science Centre and shows. The package fees are affordable, making it accessible for schools with limited budgets.
Overall, Birla Planetarium Chennai is an excellent destination for educational visits, providing a unique and immersive learning experience for children.
Historical Significance
The Birla Planetarium in Chennai holds a significant place in the history of science and technology in India. The Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Centre (TNSTC) was established in 1983 with the financial assistance of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The center was inaugurated in 1988 by R Venkataraman, the then President of India.
B.M. Birla Planetarium, which is a part of the TNSTC, has been operational for over 30 years since its inception on May 11, 1988. It has been visited by over 60 lakh visitors to date. The planetarium is named after the industrialist B.M. Birla, who was a prominent figure in the Indian business community.
The planetarium is known for its virtual tours of the night sky and its multiple galleries with over 500 exhibits for visitors to explore. The planetarium also has an optomechanical projector and slide projectors to provide a realistic view of the night sky.
The Birla Planetarium in Chennai has been a popular destination for school trips and stargazing enthusiasts. It is considered to be one of the most modern planetariums in India. The planetarium has undergone several renovations to keep pace with modern technology and provide visitors with a unique and immersive experience.
The Birla Planetarium in Chennai is a part of the Periyar Science and Technology Centre, which aims to promote scientific temper and knowledge among the general public. The center has been instrumental in popularizing science and technology in Tamil Nadu and has played a significant role in the development of the state.
Famous Personalities
Over the years, Birla Planetarium Chennai has attracted many famous personalities from the world of science and space exploration. Some of the notable visitors include Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, and Sunita Williams, a NASA astronaut who holds the record for the most spacewalks by a woman.
Neil Armstrong visited Birla Planetarium Chennai in 2005 as part of his tour of India. During his visit, he interacted with students and shared his experiences of being the first person to set foot on the moon. His visit was a great inspiration to many young students who dream of pursuing a career in space exploration.
Sunita Williams visited Birla Planetarium Chennai in 2013 and gave a talk on her experiences of living and working in space. She also shared her views on the future of space exploration and encouraged the students to pursue their dreams.
Apart from these two famous personalities, Birla Planetarium Chennai has also hosted many other scientists, astronauts, and space enthusiasts over the years. The planetarium continues to be a popular destination for anyone interested in astronomy and space science.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors to the Birla Planetarium in Chennai can explore a variety of nearby attractions that offer a range of experiences.
For nature enthusiasts, the Guindy National Park is a must-visit destination. Located just a few kilometers from the planetarium, this park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 130 species of birds. Visitors can take a stroll through the park’s many walking trails or embark on a guided tour to learn more about the park’s ecology.
Foodies will be delighted to know that there are several restaurants located near the Birla Planetarium that offer a variety of cuisines. From traditional South Indian fare to international favorites, visitors can satisfy their taste buds at one of the many eateries located in the vicinity.
For those looking for more activities to do, there are several options available. The nearby Adyar River offers opportunities for boating and fishing, while the nearby beaches provide ample opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can also explore the nearby shopping districts to pick up souvenirs and mementos of their trip to Chennai.
Overall, visitors to the Birla Planetarium in Chennai will find a range of nearby attractions that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, there’s plenty to see and do in the vicinity of this iconic landmark.
Unique Features
Birla Planetarium Chennai is known for its unique features that make it stand out from other planetariums in India. Here are some of the unique features of Birla Planetarium Chennai:
International Dolls
Apart from the planetarium shows, Birla Planetarium Chennai also houses a collection of international dolls. These dolls are dressed in traditional costumes from different countries, making it a fascinating exhibit for visitors of all ages.
Projectors
Birla Planetarium Chennai uses state-of-the-art projectors to create a realistic and immersive experience for visitors. The planetarium has a Zeiss projector that projects a realistic night sky on the dome, making it feel like visitors are stargazing.
Aluminium Inner Dome
The planetarium has an aluminum inner dome that is designed to reflect light and sound, providing an immersive experience for visitors during the planetarium shows.
Halls of Science
Birla Planetarium Chennai also houses several halls of science that showcase different aspects of physical science. The halls of science have interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about various scientific concepts in a fun and engaging way.
Physical Science
Birla Planetarium Chennai offers a range of shows and exhibits that focus on physical science. Visitors can learn about topics like gravity, electromagnetism, and mechanics through interactive exhibits and planetarium shows.
Overall, Birla Planetarium Chennai offers a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages. With its state-of-the-art projectors, interactive exhibits, and international dolls collection, it is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in astronomy and physical science.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the show timings for Birla Planetarium Chennai on weekends?
Birla Planetarium Chennai is open every day of the week, including weekends. The shows start at 10:00 AM and run until 5:45 PM. Visitors are advised to check the official website for updated show timings and schedules.
What are some reviews of Birla Planetarium Chennai?
Birla Planetarium Chennai has received positive reviews from visitors. Many have praised the interactive exhibits and informative shows. Some visitors have also mentioned that the planetarium is a great place for children to learn about astronomy.
What is the address of Birla Planetarium Chennai?
Birla Planetarium Chennai is located at Gandhi Mandapam Road, Kotturpuram, Duraisamy Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600025, India.
Are there any photos of Birla Planetarium Chennai available?
Yes, there are several photos of Birla Planetarium Chennai available online. Visitors can also take photos during their visit and share them on social media.
What is the contact number for Birla Planetarium Chennai?
The contact number for Birla Planetarium Chennai is 044 2441 0025. Visitors can call this number for any inquiries or to book tickets.
What is shown during the 3D show at Birla Planetarium Chennai?
The 3D show at Birla Planetarium Chennai is an immersive experience that takes visitors on a journey through space. The show features stunning visuals and informative narration about the universe and our place in it. Visitors are advised to check the official website for updated show timings and schedules.
