Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 13 November 2026 inaugurated COSMOS-Mysuru Planetarium in Mysuru, Karnataka — India's first LED Dome planetarium — marking a landmark moment in the country's astronomy education and science outreach infrastructure. The facility, built by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), is located on the University of Mysore campus at the foothills of Chamundi Hills.

A Technology First for India

Unlike conventional planetariums that rely on projectors casting images onto a passive dome, COSMOS-Mysuru deploys a 15-metre tilted dome comprising approximately 6,150 panels embedded with 4.2 crore individual LEDs. These panels can be controlled in real time, delivering an immersive visual experience that opens substantially new possibilities for astronomy education and public engagement. The design represents a generational leap over legacy projection-based systems still in use at most Indian planetariums.

What Happened at the Inauguration

Prime Minister Modi cut the ribbon at the entrance before being taken on a guided tour by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who briefed him on the facility's features and capabilities. Modi subsequently visited the Sky Theatre, where he watched a show alongside dignitaries. He also held an interaction with experts, astronomers, and space scientists, including those from Ladakh. Also present were Karnataka Governor Sudha Yadav, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and Mysuru-Kodagu BJP MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar.

What COSMOS-Mysuru Offers

The Sky Theatre will screen professionally produced astronomy programmes as well as an in-house film examining the historical connection between Mysuru and astronomy. Shows will be available in Kannada, English, and Hindi, ensuring broad linguistic accessibility. Beyond the theatre, the centre will house exhibition halls, a museum featuring astronomy models and artefacts, a lecture hall, a training centre, and interactive outdoor exhibits — positioning it as a comprehensive science education hub.

Role Within IIA's Broader Mission

COSMOS-Mysuru is designed to complement the Indian Institute of Astrophysics' active research portfolio, which includes the operation of multi-wavelength telescope facilities across India and in space, development of future astronomical infrastructure, and national-level outreach programmes. Officials describe it as a bridge between cutting-edge astrophysics research and public scientific literacy — a gap that India's existing planetarium network has long struggled to close.

Significance for Science Outreach

India currently operates roughly two dozen planetariums across the country, most of which were built decades ago and rely on analogue or early digital projection systems. COSMOS-Mysuru's LED dome architecture sets a new benchmark that, according to officials, could inform future upgrades at other facilities. Notably, the choice of Mysuru — a city with deep historical ties to astronomy — adds a symbolic dimension to what is also a purely technological milestone. The inauguration signals a renewed Centre-level emphasis on science communication infrastructure as part of India's broader push to deepen public engagement with its growing space programme.