Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: “Standing” on the surface” of Neptune planet, 15-year-old Rachna was shocked to find her weight was more than her actual weight of 46 kg. When she calculated her weight again on Planet Venus, she was thrilled to find she weighed less than 46 kg. Rachna was one of the several youngsters who found out that their actual body weight was different on seven different planets of our solar system. These youngsters were not travelling in deep space but they were actually part of a gathering at Vigyan Utsav on Saturday that was organised by the Prime Minister’s Museum and Library (PMML) to celebrate the National Science Day.In the science pavilion at “Know your weight on different planets”, Rachna and the like also found out the exact answer to this astronomy puzzle about the different weights: “Weight on Neptune is 1.19 times the weight on Earth whereas the weight on Venus is 0.91 time the weight on Earth”. This explanation was mentioned on the posters that also stated that a person weighs more on Neptune than on Venus because Neptune has stronger surface gravity due to its higher mass.Besides the planet pavilion, the day-long event for children also featured free virtual reality shows and ‘Nukkad Nataks’. Hands-on science experiments, physics games and ‘Do It Yourself’ STEM kits were provided by organisations like Vigyan Vyanjan and KMC Astroclub — the astronomy club of Kirori Mal College of Delhi University.Speaking at the occasion, PMML director Ashwani Lohani said, “Such events showcase the deep roots of democracy in the country besides promoting scientific temper in this age of artificial intelligence.”Science & educational books, telescopes and DIY kits from various innovators were also on display. Hand-made paintings of pioneering physicist Dr C V Raman and missile-cum-space scientist and President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam were put up at the science fair for young science enthusiasts to draw inspiration from them.aAn event, themed ‘A Carnival of Curiosity’, was hosted by the Nehru Planetarium and PMML to foster a culture of scientific inquiry through interactive learning and entertainment.The PMML also celebrated the 130th birth anniversary of former PM Morarji Desai on this day. A panel exhibition on the life and contribution of the former PM was displayed on this occasion.
