Matheran observatory to open doors to stargazers

The first ever astronomical observatory centre on a hill station, Akashganga, is slated to open its doors to the public for a Venus spotting event ahead of the Matheran Mahotsav on Friday. Built at an astronomical amount of `80 lakh, the observatory will allow five lakh people to marvel at the starry Matheran skies.

Being the only observatory in Maharashtra built with a 3D theatre facility, Akashganga is equipped with high-end telescopes.

Located near Paymaster Garden, the observatory has a 35-seat theatre and an exhibition centre, with the central attraction being the observatory dome.

Officials from the Matheran Municipal Corporation said that the observatory was inaugurated on Saturday but will be open for people within a month’s time.

“We still need to employ a few people and we have to prepare a proper schedule for the tourists. But during the Matheran Mahotsav, which is slated to take place in second week of next month, we will have the observatory functioning twice in a week. This Friday we are opening it for the Venus spotting event, which is highly sought after by astronomical enthusiasts and stargazers,” said the official.

Experts said that Matheran, with its clear skis and lack of pollution, will provide a spectacular view. The project was apparently launched in 2013.

Shailesh Sansare, an astronomer at the centre, said. “We will have an entire day-long schedule ready for the tourists and residents coming to enjoy the skies. For now it will be open for two days a week but later once hirings are done, we will full-fledgedly launch the centre,” said Mr Sansare.