Nehru
Planetarium is situated on Dr. Annie Besant Road in Worli locality of
Mumbai. It is housed at the Nehru Center, along with an art gallery, a
restaurant, a library, a cultural center and a 14-gallery exhibit
(Discovery of India). The cylindrical shaped building was designed by
J.M. Kadri, an architect. The planetarium comprises of a concert cum
movie auditorium, where visitors can enjoy movies based on outer space.
It is very popular, especially amongst kids who seem to be fascinated by
space and its mysteries.Nehru Planetarium of Maharashtra was founded in the year 1977 and today, it has grown to become one of the major attractions of the city. It also serves as a forum where regular discussions and lectures take place amongst the established scientists, where they discuss the various events related to outer space. A number of programs are also held here to promote the knowledge of space amongst students. These include Science quiz contests, Astro-painting, science elocution, Astro-poetry and Astro-quiz competitions.
During events, such as solar eclipses and lunar eclipses, special viewing arrangements are done at the Nehru Center and Planetarium of Bombay. Big telescopes are put outside the planetarium to help space enthusiasts watch this amazing phenomenon. To promote the understanding of the Cosmos amongst the masses, Nehru Planetorium makes use of its mobile 'Mini Planetarium'. It is taken to the remote rural areas, so as to make rural people aware of the universe and its various aspects.
