If you’re a science enthusiast, then you’ll have a whale of a time at the Nehru Planetarium in Mumbai, whose origins go back to as far as 1977. Amongst the five of its kind in India, the planetarium is part of the Nehru Centre and organizes seminars, lectures, and cultural and educational events to promote science and technology. In fact, the place even inspires students by organizing events such as science elocutions, Astro-painting, and more from time to time. Popular shows like Wonders of the Universe and Tryst and Destiny have somewhat of a fan following. And of course, the highlight is the telescopes on the outside that make viewing the sky an enthralling experience. So, make the most of your visit to this exemplary place by reading this useful guide to Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai.
Things to do / Highlights
Watch a planetarium show
The shows at Nehru Planetarium are a visual treat for anyone visiting the place. The first show, ‘Tryst and Destiny‘ is as historic as it’s cosmic. It outlines the stars and constellations in the sky as they were on the night of 14th-15th August 1947, when India gained independence. ‘Mahatma – The Eternal Light’ recreates the sky as on 2nd October 1869, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, interspersed with other historic events in this life. Finally, don’t miss ‘Biography of the Universe’, which outlines the story of the universe since the Big Bang theory.
Explore the planetarium projectors
One thing you shouldn’t miss out on is the planetarium’s unique projectors – the age-old ‘Universal Planetarium Projector’ and the brand-new ‘Digistar 3 - Digital Planetarium Projector’. The former was installed almost three decades ago and has delivered an incredible celestial experience for viewers. The newer Digistar 3 ensures an even more magnificent cosmic experience, complete with a surround sound system, higher resolution, and a 3D graphic system.
Watch celestial phenomena
Nothing beats catching mesmerizing celestial phenomena like meteor showers, eclipses, or simply watching other planets and stars in the sky. In fact, the planetarium also sets up telescopes to view unique celestial phenomena, like the Supermoon back in 2016. So, you can book viewing time at the telescopes. Alternatively, you can also attend the ‘Sky Observation’ between 7pm and 8pm on Sundays, for free.
Attend an interesting lecture on astronomy
Since it’s part of the Nehru Centre, the planetarium hosts eminent astronomers and astrophysics from time to time, who hold lectures or talks in the Hall of Culture. In fact, over the past 35 years, many illustrious and distinguished scientists have delivered lectures on a variety of astronomical topics, ranging from cosmology to astronomical instrumentation and more. What’s more, it includes not just Indian scientists, but also international scholars. There’s even a lively question and answer session that follows the talks, which makes it all the more riveting. There’s also a library near the planetarium, should you wish to learn more about the science.
Travel tips
Check the calendar
Nehru Planetarium is closed on Mondays as well as on festivals, so make sure you check the planetarium calendar before you go. Sometimes, there are also school groups who’re on their tour, so you need to account for extra time for exploring within as well. Since there’s no way to find that out, give yourself at least half a day to explore the planetarium.
Tickets and timings
During festivals and vacation time, the tickets are quickly sold out. So, it’s always better to book tickets in advance, especially when it comes to science shows organized here. Also, you should know that tickets for shows can be booked online and as much as a week in advance. Also, try and be seated a few minutes’ prior to the time the show’s going to begin. Once the show has begun, entry is not allowed so as to not disturb the viewing experience.
Bring your own food
On the property, there’s a canteen which features the food and drink options are minimal. So, it’s better that you make your own arrangements and get your own food or head out after the show.
How to get there
By taxi or car
Nehru Planetarium lies along the busy and bustling Dr Annie Besant Road. So, it’s very easy to get here via your private car, a rental car, or a black-and-yellow taxi or an app-based cab.
By bus
Nehru Planetarium has a bus stop right outside, and many BEST buses stop there.
By local train
If you’re taking the local train, then the station closest to Nehru Planetarium is Byculla on the Central Line and Mahalakshmi on the Western Line. From here, you can take a bus or taxi to the planetarium.
How to get tickets
You can purchase tickets on the official website or get tickets directly at the planetarium. However, we’d advise you to get the tickets in advance. The tickets cost 100 INR (1.35 USD) for visitors ages 5 and above, and children below the age of 5 years have free entry.
Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai information
Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai
Address: Nehru Centre, Dr Annie Besant Rd, Lotus Colony, Worli, Mumbai
Opening hours: Sun, Tue - Fri: 11am - 5pm; Sat: 12:30pm - 3pm (closed on Mon)
Official Website: Nehru Planetarium
Department of Tourism Website: Maharashtra Tourism
News & updates for Nehru Planetarium: Mumbaikars gather at Nehru Planetarium to get a glimpse of the solar eclipse | A new moon is rising in Mumbai at the Nehru Planetarium
History
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