Alappuzha: A mobile planetarium which illustrates celestial events, solar systems and different aspects of astronomy introduced a novel experience to the students of Angels Arc English Medium School near Kayamkulam here on Wednesday.
The 45-min show, that can be watched by 35 students at a time, is conducted in a dome filled with gas and is the first of its kind in the state. The gas filled dome is attached to digital equipments.
According to the Pankanj Sharma, regional manager of Orange education, a unit of Saraswati Vidyalaya, New Delhi, which conducts the programme, “The show enables students to learn of the 'wonders of universe' and create an impetus among them to consider a future in astrophysics.
As children are curious about the creation of stars, galaxy and solar system, it will provide them with some knowledge about it,” he explains. The planetarium comes equipped with an inflatable portable dome, a projector and telescopes and will go to schools across the country to conduct the shows.
“There are two ‘dome-teams’ that will move across the country with a view to spreading knowledge about astronomy. This is the first show to be conducted in Kerala.
The next will be held in Kochi in the coming days before the team leaves for Coimbatore. The show has received a tremendous response from the students. We are also providing booklets and textbooks on astrophysics,” said Sharma.
“It is the easiest way to introduce students to the developments in space as the children in rural areas get limited information on astronomy. The purpose of the show is to attract children to the world of planets and stars. The show teaches them that the stars are brighter than they appear to the naked eye. It provides a true picture of the sky,” said Sobhana Sanjiv, the principal of the school.
Adding, “Considering the lack of facility to learn about astronomy, we now look forward to cultivate and promote a scientific temper among students by conducting such innovative space-related shows. Once they get a taste of it, they may like to delve deeper into it. We believe such shows are integral in sparking off young talents,” the principal pointed out.
After watching the show students like Shilpa Varghese, Sneha Saji, Arya Lekshmi and Hari Lekshim, said they had found convincing information on the changing colours of stars, functioning of the solar system and the galaxies. “The programme has given us inspiration to learn more about astronomy. We want to become astrophysicists,” they said excitedly.
