Field Visit: Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium

January 18, 2026 · Bengaluru

Following the success of the Synergy Planetarium, ECLIPSE organized an academic visit to Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Bengaluru — going far beyond a public show to understand how a professional planetarium actually works.

Behind the Dome

Core and working committee members were given access to areas not typically open to the general public.

The Small Dome

The visit began with a guided exploration of a smaller dome, where members learned about:

Projector and mirror placement
Dome geometry and its role in the viewing experience
Material selection for the inner surface — including how light absorption affects immersion

The Main Dome

The main auditorium uses a hybrid projection system combining:

An optomechanical projector for precise star projection
Multiple digital projectors for planets and other celestial objects

This combination produces highly accurate simulations of the night sky, enhancing both the educational and visual experience for visitors.

Backend Infrastructure

Members were shown the facility’s server rooms, cooling systems (needed to manage the heat output of high-lumen projectors), and strict dust-control protocols that protect sensitive optical components.

The Observatory

The group also visited the on-site observatory, where they observed motorized tracking systems and specialized software used to locate and follow celestial objects in real time — a rare glimpse into hands-on observational astronomy.

Session with Amateur Astronomers

Later in the day, members of the Association of Bangalore Amateur Astronomers led an interactive session covering solar activity, sunspot structure, planetary visibility cycles, and the importance of timing in celestial observation. The discussion was grounded in the philosophy of learning through direct observation.

Participants

Divyam Choudhary, Sayak Chowdhury, Shivam Pandya, Harshvardhan Mishra, Rohan Kamath, Arjun Sai, Pasham Godha, Jeswin Jose, Aarav Choudhary, Aryan Thumula, Devbrat Singh, Devansh Dhoka, Huma Khadarabad, Karma Patel, Samarth, Siddha Dhok, Surya Kiran, Prasiddh Tilala

Organized by ECLIPSE Astronomy Club, IIIT Bangalore. Approved by Dean (SA).