The Mysuru planetarium, described as India’s first LED curved-dome planetarium, was inaugurated on Friday at the foothills of Chamundi Hill, opening a new public facility focused on cosmology education, research training and immersive science experiences.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Cosmos-Mysuru, a facility built at a reported cost of ₹115 crore. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman briefed the Prime Minister on the planetarium’s features, after which he viewed space presentations from the sky theatre. Karnataka Governor Sudha Yadav, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy were among those present, according to Prajavani.
The facility’s central attraction is a 15-metre-diameter sky theatre with 160 seats. Its LED dome is installed at a 15-degree incline to create an immersive viewing environment. Unlike conventional systems that rely primarily on projection equipment, the dome uses closely arranged LED panels that emit light directly from its inner surface.
The system is designed to display high-resolution and high-brightness visuals across a curved surface measuring 353.4 square metres. The report describes the dome as having a 42-megapixel, 8K display capability, with a resolution exceeding standard True 8K specifications. Its curved surface allows continuous film-like visuals without interruptions across the viewing area.
Cosmos-Mysuru is supported by a high-capacity computing system containing 14 graphics processing units and advanced Sky Explorer software. Together, these systems are intended to produce detailed visualisations for astronomy and other scientific subjects. The facility is also reported to have the ability to connect with remote locations such as Hanle, allowing visitors to experience representations of the actual night sky.
The new planetarium is positioned as more than a conventional astronomy venue. Its digital systems can be used for astronomy education, immersive entertainment, data visualisation and teaching across different fields of science. This gives the facility a wider institutional role, linking public science communication with education and research training.
Located near Chamundi Hill, the planetarium adds a new science-oriented destination to Mysuru’s established visitor and cultural landscape. Its location places a technologically advanced public facility within a city known for heritage, tourism and educational institutions, although the supplied report does not provide details on visitor charges, operating hours, programming schedules or long-term management arrangements.
The inauguration marks the formal opening of the ₹115-crore facility. Further information on public access, regular shows, educational programmes and operational timelines was not included in the report.
