MADURAI: The plan to set up a planetarium in Madurai Kamaraj University has taken shape with the Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Centre, Chennai, coming forward to establish both planetarium and science centre, at a cost of Rs.2.7 crore. The State Government will provide the sum.

Clearance has been obtained, and documents to be signed for a Memorandum of Understanding between the university and the Government reached the Law Department on Saturday for its approval.

Vice-Chancellor P. Maruthamuthu told The Hindu on Sunday that it was only a matter of time for the planetarium to come up on the university campus, as the Government had given its approval for the project that would attract science enthusiasts and school and college students in the southern districts.

The agreement would be signed immediately after the Law Department gave approval for the draft.

The university is providing land and buildings, while the Government will bear the cost for equipment/infrastructure, says V. Ramakrishnan, coordinator, science park project, and professor in School of Physics.

Of the total of Rs.2.7 crores, the planetarium will cost Rs.1.6 crores; the rest will go towards recurring expenditure, science motivation events and creating a `science park.'

Dr. Ramakrishnan says the university will conduct periodical lectures and shows at the planetarium for school and college students, and astronomers will be invited to speak on celestial issues.

3-D shows planned

A proposal to hold 3-D shows was also submitted to P. Iyyamperumal, Executive Director, Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Centre, who recently visited the university to finalise the planetarium project.

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