‘Different weights on 7 planets’ excites youngsters at PMML Vigyan Utsav on National Science Day

New Delhi: Fifteen-year-old Rachna “standing” on the surface of Neptune was shocked to find that she weighed more than her actual weight of 46 kg. When she calculated her weight again on Venus, she was excited to discover that she weighed less than 46 kilograms. Rahner is one of several young people who have discovered that their actual weight varies on seven different planets in the solar system. These youngsters weren’t traveling in deep space, but they were actually part of a gathering organized by the Prime Minister’s Museum and Library (PMML) at Vigyan Utsav on Saturday to celebrate National Science Day.In the science museum “Knowing your weight on different planets”, Lachner and others also found the exact answer to this astronomical puzzle about different weights: “The weight on Neptune is 1.19 times the weight on the Earth, while the weight on Venus is 0.91 times the weight on the Earth.” The poster mentioned this explanation, also stating that a person would weigh more on Neptune than on Venus because Neptune has a stronger surface gravity due to its higher mass.In addition to the Planet Pavilion, the day-long children’s event includes free virtual reality shows and “Nukkad Nataks.” Hands-on science experiments, physics games and ‘do-it-yourself’ STEM kits are provided by organizations such as Vigyan Vyanjan and KMC Astroclub (the astronomy club of Kirori Mal College, Delhi University).Speaking on the occasion, PMML Director Ashwani Lohani said, “Such events showcase the deep roots of the country’s democracy, besides promoting scientific literacy in the age of artificial intelligence.”Scientific and educational books, telescopes and DIY kits from various innovators are also on display. Handmade paintings of physicist Dr CV Raman and missile and space scientist and president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam were displayed at the science fair for young science enthusiasts to draw inspiration from.oneNehru Planetarium and PMML hosted an event themed ‘Curiosity Carnival’ to foster a culture of scientific inquiry through interactive learning and entertainment.PMML also celebrates the 130th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Morarji Desai on this day. On the occasion, a special exhibition on the life and contributions of the former Prime Minister was also held.