Star gazing gets easier,with Lucknow’s new telescope

“This is the largest dome to house a telescope in any planetarium across the country. For the first time,steel has been used. The 14-inch telescope is also the largest established in any planetarium for amateur astronomical observations,” said Anil Yadav,the planetarium in-charge.

It is also the state’s first dome that can be used for astronomical observations. The dome is maintenance free,unlike the previously used materials like aluminium or iron,said Yadav.

After completion of its construction early this month,the planetarium began the process installing the telescope on Saturday. “It should take another 15 days after which it will be ready for inauguration,” Yadav told The Indian Express. A special team of dome manufacturers from Bangaluru has been invited to complete the construction.

Worth Rs 50 lakh,the dome and its telescope is meant to facilitate observation for astronomy aspirants across the state. Though this telescope will only be accessible to the members of the astronomical club,consisting mostly students interested in the subject,Yadav said once the telescope was functional,the membership will be extended to others as well.

The planetarium already has eight telescopes,but none of them were permanently installed for night sky watching. This new addition,costing Rs 15 lakh,will not only be permanently installed,but will also increase the joy of sky watching. With better light gathering capacity and a maximum practical visual power of 850 — which will allow a magnification of the object by 850 times — a clearer view of heavenly bodies will be possible henceforth,said Yadav.

Looking forward to a clear view of Saturn’s rings with this telescope,the planetarium in-charge added that phases of Venus,colour of Mars,binary stars,clouds of forming stars (nebulas) and various galaxies will also be visible now.

In addition,the telescope has Global Positioning System which enables it to connect to satellites automatically.

“Such an addition to the astronomical facilities in Lucknow will prove to be an educational benefit for a number of students,” Yadav added.