In its revamped avatar, planetarium breaks records for visitors, revenue | Lucknow News
Lucknow: The recently upgraded Indira Gandhi Planetarium in Lucknow shattered all previous records for footfalls and revenue within just a week of its reopening.The planetarium has earned around Rs 3 lakh from the sale of three 2D and two 3D shows in just five days, with the lowest-priced ticket costing Rs 30 and the highest costing Rs 200 per head. Inaugurated on Aug 19, the planetarium has become a magnet for astronomy enthusiasts, drawing crowds eager to experience Uttar Pradesh’s first Active Stereo 3D Planetarium. In a remarkable display of public interest, the planetarium welcomed over 500 visitors in just five days, ranging from toddlers to senior citizens as old as 85, and from various professional backgrounds. The planetarium’s appeal has transcended age and occupation, becoming a must-visit destination for many, said senior scientific officer Sumit Srivastava. “On Saturday and Sunday, the revenue generated from ticket sales for different shows crossed Rs 1 lakh mark in a single day. This is the highest we recorded in a week’s time,” he added. He said that as planetarium continues to draw crowds, it stands as a testament to the growing interest in space and science among the public, promising to inspire future generations of astronomers and space enthusiasts. Visitors have been effusive in their praise. “When we learned that the Indira Gandhi Planetarium is offering a real space experience, we decided to bring the entire family. The experience was truly amazing,” said Dinesh Garg, a banker. Shiv Narayan Tiwari, 85, another visitor, remarked, “I heard from my relatives about the wonderful experiences at planetariums in Hyderabad and others with 3D technology. We were awestruck by the immersive and realistic experience of viewing celestial objects and astronomical phenomena.” The Indira Gandhi Planetarium is now one of six in the country equipped with this cutting-edge technology. Similar systems are operational at planetariums in Patna, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Nashik, Surat, and Mangaluru, making it a part of an elite group offering such advanced astronomical experiences.
