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lucknow Pooja Srivastava,
The Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Lucknow was inaugurated on 19.08.2025 by Shri Anil Kumar, Hon’ble Minister, Science & Technology, Uttar Pradesh. On this occasion, Ajit Singh Pal, Hon’ble Minister of State, Science & Technology, U.P. Pandhari Yadav, Principal Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, U.P., and Director General, Council of Science & Technology, U.P. were present.
In this inaugural event, 106 students and 9 teachers from Atal Residential School, Mohanlalganj, Lucknow witnessed the first show along with the Hon’ble Minister. The program commenced at 3:00 PM. Members of the Uttar Pradesh Amateur Astronomers Club (UPAAC) also participated. From 20th August onwards, the people of Uttar Pradesh will be able to witness the wonders of the universe. This is Uttar Pradesh’s first Active Stereo 8K/3D–2D planetarium and the sixth most advanced planetarium in India.
Student Competitions
Students of Atal Residential School participated in essay writing and poster-making competitions organized by the Council.
• Essay Competition Winners:
o 1st Prize: Swadesh Kumar
o 2nd Prize: Shivangi Yadav
o 3rd Prize: Deepti Chaurasia
o Consolation Prizes: Honhaar Gautam, Sakshi Gautam, Vineet Kumar, Anupam, Aditya Kumar
• Poster Competition Winners:
o 1st Prize: Sangam
o 2nd Prize: Shubhi Sharma
o 3rd Prize: Tejaswi Chauhan
o Consolation Prizes: Priya Kumari, Deepika Patel, Sunny Kumar, Aarushi Devi, Varsha Raj
All winners received books and certificates, while all participating students were given a geometry box as a gift from the Council. UPAAC members interacted with the students and answered their astronomy-related questions.
Exhibition & Inauguration
Hon’ble Ministers Shri Anil Kumar and Shri Ajit Singh Pal visited the student exhibition, interacted with them, and answered their questions. Later, Shri Anil Kumar unveiled the inauguration plaque of the modernized Indira Gandhi Planetarium, toured the server room and facilities, and officially opened the planetarium shows for the public using an iPad in the dome.
Hon’ble Minister’s Address
Shri Anil Kumar stated:
“The Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Lucknow will no longer remain just a ‘show-viewing center.’ It will now emerge as a major hub of science innovation, education, and science communication in North India. Its modernized form will equally benefit students, teachers, researchers, scientists, and the general public. This highly advanced planetarium will inspire learners across the state towards the latest research and innovation in astronomy and space science.
The modernization cost is ₹29.65 crore for equipment and ₹11.43 crore for civil/electrical/AC works, totaling ₹41.08 crore. The planetarium also runs an Astronomy Club, through which telescope-based observations of celestial events and training sessions for students are organized.
In the near future, a modern science gallery on Space Science, Astronomy, Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and Aditya-L1 Solar Mission will be set up on the ground floor. CST-UP will also conduct asteroid search campaigns, telescope-making workshops, annual astronomy calendars, and outreach programs for public observation of astronomical events.”
He congratulated the CST-UP team, participants, and winning students and emphasized that under the leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh will continue contributing to science and technology and play a vital role in achieving the state’s $1 trillion economy goal.
Hon’ble Minister of State’s Address
Shri Ajit Singh Pal, Hon’ble Minister of State, Science & Technology, Uttar Pradesh, remarked:
“This modern digital planetarium is not just a center to watch shows but has been developed as a hub of scientific innovation, teaching, and science communication in North India. It will create awareness, curiosity, and interest in science among the public and promote astronomy in the state. Through its Astronomy Club, telescope-based observations and student training programs will continue to be organized, making this center equally useful for students, teachers, researchers, and scientists.”
Principal Secretary’s Statement
According to Shri Pandhari Yadav, Principal Secretary, Department of Science & Technology:
“This state-of-the-art planetarium will take visitors on a breathtaking journey through the universe—exploring the Moon’s surface, asteroid impacts, and real-time celestial events. Operated by CST-UP, the planetarium promotes science education in alignment with India’s National Education Policy.”
About Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Lucknow
• Operational since 2003 under CST-UP
• One of India’s leading planetariums, visited by millions
• Initially equipped with a Japanese GOTO optomechanical projector (static views only)
• Now upgraded with Evans & Sutherland (E&S, USA) 2D/3D – 8K Digital Fulldome Projection System
• Installed in over 700 planetariums worldwide; operational in Patna, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Nashik, Surat, and Mangaluru
Key Technical Features
• 6 synchronized digital projectors for seamless visuals
• 15m seamless Nano-Seam dome replacing the old aluminum fiber dome
• 7.1 surround sound system with acoustic treatment (no echo/distortion)
• Direct access to NASA/EASA catalogs for real-time geospatial data
• Simulation of the sky 10,000 years in the past and future from any location
• Real-time visualization of Earth Sciences, Solar System, and Astronomy
• Xbox-controlled exploration of planetary terrains, mountains, valleys, and clouds
• Dome-casting feature for live global planetarium broadcasting
• Active Stereo 3D technology for an immersive 3D experience
Ticket Information
Category 2D Show 3D Show Ticket Type Required Document
Children up to 5 years (no separate seat) Free Free – Birth Certificate
General Visitors ₹100 ₹200 Online/Offline Ticket –
Divyangjans & Students (up to 18 years) ₹50 ₹100 Online/Offline Ticket Disability Certificate / Aadhaar Card / School ID
Group / Special Show Booking
• Students (100 or more, up to 18 years): ₹30 (2D), ₹60 (3D) – Online/Offline Receipt – Aadhaar/School ID
• General visitors (100 or more): ₹60 (2D), ₹120 (3D) – Online/Offline Receipt
