Pathani Samanta Planetarium

Pathani Samanta Planetarium is a planetarium located at Acharya Vihar in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Established in 1990 and operated by the Science and Technology Department, Government of Odisha, it is named after the 19th-century astronomer Pathani Samanta. The planetarium features a domed sky theatre, astronomical exhibits and educational programs aimed at popularizing astronomy and space science among students and general visitors.

Visitors can expect a domed sky theatre offering scheduled audio-visual shows on astronomy, stars, planets and space science with commentary in Odia, Hindi and English. The campus includes exhibition halls with astronomical models, instruments and information panels, an auditorium, library and outdoor grounds. Shows are held at fixed timings in an air-conditioned hall, and visitors can explore exhibits before or after the show.

Established in 1990 by the Science and Technology Department, Government of Odisha, the planetarium is named after Pathani Samanta (1835-1904), the eminent Odia astronomer known for his work Siddhanta Darpana, who made significant naked-eye astronomical observations without instruments.

The planetarium serves as a major centre for science popularization and astronomy education in Odisha, promoting scientific temper among students and the public through regular shows, exhibitions and awareness programs.