Pune: Modern Astrotourism Planetarium Inaugurated at Panshet
Panshet, 6th October 2025: A new era for astronomy enthusiasts in Pune began on Saturday with the inauguration of the Modern Astrotourism Planetarium (Astro Dome) at Panshet Boat Club.
The planetarium was inaugurated by Hanumantji Hede, Senior Manager of MTDC, in the presence of senior astronomers, tourism professionals, and officials including Hemantji Vavle, Lahuji Jori, Sanjay Naik, Ankush Pasalkar, Satish Gavane (PMPML), and Forest Department officer Umbarkar. A large number of tourists also attended the event.
The Astro Dome is equipped to showcase three astro-shows daily, each lasting 40 minutes and available in both Marathi and English, running from 10 am to 9 pm. Visitors can also observe the Sun, Moon, planets, and constellations through telescopes, combining education with a hands-on astronomical experience.
The three astro-shows have been curated to spark curiosity among citizens and students:
Show 1 – Star Life Cycle & Black Holes
Learn how stars are born, evolve, and die, including red giants, supernovae, and neutron stars.
Understand the formation and effects of black holes on the universe.
Show 2 – Our Solar System, Horizons & Chandrayaan
Discover visible stars, planets, and constellations, and learn sky observation techniques.
Explore human lunar missions including Apollo 11, Neil Armstrong’s moonwalk, challenges faced during the mission, and its scientific benefits.
Show 3 – Eight Scopes of the Milky Way (Advanced, for adults)
Explore the structure, size, and parts of the Milky Way, including its spiral arms and central black hole.
Learn about the age, movement, and development of the galaxy, and compare it with other galaxies in the universe.
Highlighting Panshet’s unique location, Hemantji Vavle noted that due to the dam project and reserved forests in Rajgad Taluka, light pollution is minimal, making it ideal for star and planet observation even with the naked eye. He added that efforts are underway to designate Rajgad Taluka as India’s first Astrotourism Taluka, with government notification being sought through MLA Shankarbhau Mandekar.
Hede encouraged tourists to visit the Astrotourism Center with their families to enjoy celestial sights through telescopes.
PMPML Senior Manager Satish Gavane highlighted the availability of a special tourist bus service that covers the Astro Dome along with Panshet and Varasgaon’s natural attractions, water sports, bird museum, heritage jungle safari, and adventure activities.
Tourism Coordinator Anand Gorad informed that on the night of October 21, a meteor shower will be visible, and a special program has been organized in collaboration with Akashdarshan Sanstha for visitors to observe this spectacular event live through telescopes.
The inauguration event was welcomed by Ravindra Kudle, moderated by Amit Pasalkar, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Akash Jori.
