‘Young astronomers come up with ideas,but are not able to defend them’

Yes,Mumbaikars are geared up to see astronomy programmes at the planetarium. Initially,their enthusiasm proved a challenge for us,but eventually we overcame it by redesigning our programmes. Apart from the shows,we also impart information to people. We keep modifying our programmes by adding new things to give the audience something like edutainment. We also have an amateur club for enthusiasts.

SAGNIK CHOWDHURY: In terms of location,how suitable is Mumbai for astronomy?

Mumbai has one great advantage that people often forget about. We have sea on the western side,and with no population on that side,we get clear skies. In fact the Pole star,which is not so easily visible from other cities,including Pune,can be seen here,despite the light pollution. However,wonderful astronomy has been done in England,which is traditionally known to have bad skies. So,I keep urging amateur astronomers – make best use of whatever is available.

SHUBHANGI KHAPRE: Are astronomy and astrology correlated?

I do not believe in astrology. Astronomy follows laws of science,which are applicable on Earth and Mars,too. However,in the case of astrology,no two astrologers came up with the same answer. It does not logically fit into my mind that stars should govern our life.

TABASSUM BARNAGARWALA: How difficult is it for scientists to do research in India as compared to abroad?

As far as astronomy and physics are concerned,I think there is tremendous scope. The problem is that youngsters come up with ideas and want people to recognise them. However when those ideas are challenged,they do not defend their theories.

SMITA NAIR: What about genuine cases? How does your centre support them?

We do not provide funding but we support research.

SAGNIK CHOWDHURY: How many people visit the planetarium daily?

We get nearly 2,000 general visitors daily.

MAYURA JANWALKAR: How does the planetarium fare as compared to those abroad?

We are on an equal footing. Next week,we are going to set up high quality projectors. So we are keeping pace with the rest of the world. We are also trying to put new exhibits and some new projects are in the pipeline.

MANASI PHADKE: How strong is the educational infrastructure if one wants to study astronomy in India? What are the career opportunities?

People see science too romantically. Youngsters who want to become scientists have to put in a lot of hard work,whether in India or abroad. Institutes such as Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai or IUCCA are good. Not many know that people from the US or France come here to do postdoctoral programmes. As a career,astronomy is good as payscales are nice and you get to travel abroad to present your work early in life.

PRIYAL DAVE: A science fiction movie,Gravity,is now playing in theatres. How successful are films in depicting outer space?

They are just fantasy. Despite celestial objects being light years away from us,in films they show that those from outer space are communicating with people on Earth without any time lag! Even when you swap channels showing the same programme,you will observe a certain time lag because electrical signals take time to reach.

PRIYAL DAVE: Even in this age,do a lot of people have myths about celestial events,such as a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipse-related myths are much lesser now,compared to the 1980s. At the time of the eclipse then,we read in the newspapers that Mumbai was deserted. And these myths were not just in India but across the world. One of the major myths was related to childbirth. But today,we understand that eclipses do not affect people.

SMITA NAIR: What are your views on the Mars One project for which people are applying and even being told that they are selected for a one-way trip to Mars?

There are some smart people on this planet who know how to make money. When the Moon mission started,there were people who even sold land on the Moon. We do try to educate people but our reach is limited.