The Sri Sathya Sai Space Theatre is a planetarium located in the Prasanthi Nilayam region of Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, India. It was inaugurated in 1985 by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and is the only planetarium between Bangalore and Hyderabad.
The planetarium is free to enter, with shows aimed at educating visitors about astronomy and space. Shows are offered daily, except for Wednesdays. There are shows in English, Hindi, and Telugu, with headphones available to listen to the show in a different language if needed.
Getting to the Sri Sathya Sai Space Theatre
The Planetarium is situated on the main road, opposite the Higher Secondary School Boys' Hostel in the Sri Sathya Sai Vidyagiri campus. Puttaparthi is a small town, so you can easily get around by rickshaw or car. If you're coming from a major city, you'll likely need to fly into either Bengaluru International Airport (BLR) or Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), then take a taxi or bus to Puttaparthi.
What to expect at the Sri Sathya Sai Space Theatre
The planetarium offers a variety of shows throughout the day. The current show is "Dark Side of Light". Shows are typically around 30 minutes long and begin at 10.30 am. However, entry is cut off at 10.00 am, and the show will only start if there are at least 150 visitors. If there's a large crowd, additional shows may be added.
The planetarium features a full dome system, which means that the images and videos are projected onto the entire dome-shaped ceiling. This creates an immersive experience for visitors.
Here are some additional tips for your visit:
- Be sure to arrive early, as entry is cut off at 10.00 am.
- There is no photography allowed inside the planetarium.
- The planetarium is located in a rural area, so there are limited food and drink options available nearby. You may want to pack a snack or eat before you go.
Overall, the Sri Sathya Sai Space Theatre is a great place to learn about space and astronomy. It's a free educational experience that is sure to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.