World’s First Tilted Commercial LED Dome Planetarium Coming Soon to Mysuru!

A Cosmic Vision at Chamundi Hill

Mysuru is on the cusp of housing a groundbreaking addition to the field of science and technology—the Cosmology Education and Research Training Centre, or Cosmos. Under construction at the Chamundi Hill campus of the University of Mysore (UoM), Cosmos will feature the world’s first tilted LED dome planetarium, an innovation that places Mysuru at the forefront of cosmology education globally. This 15-meter, high-tech LED dome boasts 8K resolution, promising a breathtakingly immersive experience for all visitors.

A Project Backed by Vision and Innovation

Launched in March 2022, the ambitious planetarium project is backed by a significant Rs 90 crore budget, including Rs 5 crore from Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s MPLADS fund. Sitharaman, along with Mysuru MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, recently reviewed the progress of the project. Emphasizing its national importance, she said, “This is the first of its kind in the country, featuring modern technology and delivering educational content in both English and Kannada. We want school children to benefit from this unique experience.”

The project is being spearheaded by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) through a collaborative agreement with UoM, which is managing the construction and will oversee future operations.

Expanding Educational Horizons in Science and Technology

The Cosmos Centre aims to make cosmology and astrophysics more accessible to students from over 200 educational institutions in and around Mysuru. Through collaborations with science, communication, and research organizations across India, Cosmos plans to inspire curiosity in space science while offering educational programmes in both English and Kannada. The facility has already conducted outreach for about 25,000 people over the past two years, laying the foundation for an even more immersive learning experience once the planetarium opens.

Bridging Modern Science and Historical Insights

An exciting collaboration with the University of Mysore’s Oriental Research Institute will bring history and science together. Cosmos will study historical Kannada texts and astronomical artefacts, providing a unique glimpse into ancient knowledge of the cosmos. This blending of traditional and modern insights aims to deepen our understanding of astronomy’s cultural roots in the region.

Countdown to Opening in 2025

Despite some delays due to Covid-19, officials are confident that the planetarium will open in September 2025. The facility will host regular shows and educational programmes, inviting school and college students as well as tourists to explore the wonders of the universe. Sitharaman urged locals and visitors alike to take full advantage of the upcoming facility.

The planetarium’s electronics and LED components, sourced from Minolta and RCA Minolta (Japan) and RC Cosmos (France), ensure that Cosmos will be a truly state-of-the-art educational experience. Similar facilities are planned in Europe, yet Mysuru’s tilted dome planetarium is expected to be the first to open, putting the city on the global map for cosmology education.