Reach For The Stars

City-based M R Kabra has been the man behind the setting up of planetariums at many places across India like the Science City Space Theatre in Kolkata,AB Birla Planetarium in Hyderabad,Meghnad Saha Planetarium in Burdwan,and the Indira Gandhi planetarium in Patna. This,he used to do with the help of the technology of Goto,a Japan-based company. However,after many such successful ventures,the thought of doing something,keeping in mind the purpose of educating children,entered his mind. The Japanese company had already come out with a mini planetarium which is being used by thousands of schools across the world. Replicating this,Kabra has come up with EX-3 mini planetarium.

Resembling a globe,the machine uses the pin-hole method to project the hemisphere on a three-metre dia Vinyl dome. “Teaching astronomy to children on a blackboard is not only very difficult but also meaningless. Till the time they are not shown the stars,the movements,how the seasons are formed,it is difficult for the children to develop an interest in the topic. What we see in the traditional planetariums is mainly meant for entertainment. However,this machine will introduce kids to ideas like constellations,shooting stars and instill in them an inquisitiveness,” says Kabra.

The few students in the schools around his home who have seen the machine have shown a keen interest. Medha Ujjainkar,who is the manager of Yashwant Vinayan Mandir,Dhule,says,“I saw the working of the mini planetarium and it is a very convenient device. Since it is portable,it can be set up anywhere. I am in talks with my management and might soon get one for our school here. Machines like this are definitely needed today to attract students towards astronomy.”

The machine,which can be installed in a place as small as a 12*12 ft room can be handled by anyone and can accommodate up to 20 students at one time. Kabra has also come up with an exhaustive book on the working of the solar system,for a basic training for teachers on the subject. Vandana Chavan,city unit chief of NCP,is in talks with a few corporators to install the machine in a few PMC-run schools. “I have taken a look at the machine and it is very convenient. If one area has even one machine,several neighbouring schools can make use of it. I am in talks with Appa Renuse,PMC school board vice-president,and a few other corporators who are involved with school education to instal the machine in a few schools here. Let’s hope the plan works out,” says Chavan.