In an effort to increase public interest in astronomy and space science, Uttar Pradesh plans to renovate its planetariums. With more than 11.25 lakh visits to its three main planetariums in the last eight years (in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, and Rampur), the state is seeing an increase in interest in space exploration.

The Uttar Pradesh Council of Science and Technology (UPCST) has started updating these centers with cutting-edge technology and improved tourist amenities in order to meet this desire. The planetariums will soon return with a new, immersive experience, despite being shuttered for renovations.

The 1988-founded Indira Gandhi Planetarium in Lucknow has received a comprehensive renovation at a cost of Rs 40 crore. It is prepared for inauguration and has a 15-meter dome and state-of-the-art digital technologies. The Bir Bahadur Singh Planetarium in Gorakhpur, which has a 17-meter dome, is also undergoing renovations, and later this year, Rampur’s Aryabhatta Planetarium will be refurbished.

Sheeldhar Singh Yadav, director of UPCST, emphasized that these planetariums are essential resources for encouraging scientific thought, particularly among young people. They are more than just places for amusement. They are anticipated to revitalize scientific communication and provide astronomy aficionados around the state with new avenues for exploration once they reopen.