Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, April 4: A significant numbers of city residents from all walks of life thronged the Regional Science Center (RSC) and Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Saturday to catch a glimpse of the lunar eclipse through the telescopes installed on their premises in the city.
“I am a science enthusiast. The RSC always helps budding scientists by inviting them during solar or lunar eclipse. My teacher taught me well regarding lunar eclipses and now I have watched it live while it was taking place. Wonderful,” said Manoj Tripathy, student.
As he spoke several other science enthusiasts were seen standing in a queue at the Planetarium during the eclipse. “I came here in Bhubaneswar for the first time to uncle’s home. And I got this opportunity to experience an exceptional view (lunar eclipse) through telescope at this centre. It was wonderful to see a zoomed-in moon right here,” said Sangeeta Mohanty, a visitor.
These two centers were well equipped with telescopes so that the visitors could experience the beautiful celestial event. Last year a lunar eclipse took place in the month of September.
“We have a good telescope, ‘Celestrone 8-inch diameter reflecting telescope’ at the right corner. It gives a better view of the moon during eclipse. Many budding scientists came over to take a look and we are glad to have given them the opportunity to learn more by providing a better equipment,” said Himansu Sekhar Satapathy, educational officer, RSC.
The Pathani Samanta Planetarium had two telescopes along with one binocular available on their premises; these considering the large number of visitors at the center.
“The eclipse can be seen in naked eye from everywhere; however, we provided good equipment to the people for better viewing. This year, we did have a partial lunar eclipse. Only people in Japan and in the eastern parts of Asia will see the full lunar eclipse,” said Sebendhu Patnaik, director, Pathani Samanta Planetarium. The eclipse could be seen from 6.15 pm to 7.15 pm.
