| Name: INDRENDRA SISODIYA |
| Affiliation: Madhya Pradesh Council of Science & Technology |
| Conference ID: ASI2026_339 |
| Title: Śaṅku Yantra to CCD Astronomy: Confluence of Planetarium & Observatory Driven Astronomy Educational Initiatives in the Ujjain |
| Abstract Type: Poster |
| Abstract Category: Education, Outreach and Heritage |
| Author(s) and Co-Author(s) with Affiliation: INDRENDRA SISODIYA(Ujjain Planetarium & Observatory, M.P.C.S.T., Ujjain - 456010, India), Bhupesh Saxena(Ujjain Planetarium & Observatory, M.P.C.S.T., Ujjain - 456010, India), Manoj Rathore(Ujjain Planetarium & Observatory, M.P.C.S.T., Ujjain - 456010, India), Anil Kothari(Ujjain Planetarium & Observatory, M.P.C.S.T., Ujjain - 456010, India) |
| Abstract: Ujjain’s prominence in Indian Astronomy dates back to antiquity. The Longitude of Ujjain(Ancient Indian Prime Meridian) served as the reference for timekeeping and calendrical computations. Extending this legacy, the Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology has established an advanced Planetarium and an Observatory in Ujjain. This presentation outlines the recently upgraded Ujjain Planetarium, which is the first of its kind, a 3D-4K-projection with an 11.5-m Dome in Central India. Planetarium’s public engagement at various levels, along with the ongoing National Council of Science & Museum collaborative projects on campus, like the upcoming Ujjain-Science Centre (proposed Ujjain-Science City), is discussed.
The Varahamihir Astronomical Observatory is located near Dongla village, 40km North of Ujjain, near the present Tropic of Cancer. Due to this geographically significant location, the Observatory annually hosts its Zero-Shadow-Day outreach celebrations at the Summer-Solstice. The Observatory incorporates a 0.5-meter Optical Telescope, large-format AltaU-9000-CCD and filters for UVBRI-photometry measurements. This poster elaborates on the introductory research-oriented outreach photometric observations(target object:M-42) and engagement activities. Adjacent to the Observatory are latitude-longitude-adjusted models of the classical Ujjain-Jantar Mantar instruments: Śaṅku, Bhitti-Yantra, etc. This Śaṅku-Yantra’s cruciality in astronomy education at the Observatory’s annual Summer-Winter Solstice outreach events is also discussed here. Pedagogical methodology and results for the determination of Solar Altitude, Observer’s Latitude, and the Local Meridian using this Śaṅku-Yantra(Height=30.039inches) during the Winter-Solstice 2025(Solar Noon~12:25PM) outreach at Varāhamihira Observatory are presented within 0.2 degrees of the true altitude value. Thereby, demonstrating a hands-on integration of classical observational methods with positional astronomy education. Finally, this poster expands on the potential role of these facilities by academic research institutions for postgraduate training and the promotion of astronomy education in various capacities around Central India.
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