KOZHIKODE: Here is a chance for the people of Kozhikode to understand the mysteries of the ocean. For the first time in the state, an ocean gallery at the Regional Science Centre and Planetarium (RSCP) provides live experience of ocean and aquatic life similar to that of a planetarium. The construction of the gallery will start in August and is expected to be over by March 31 next year.The gallery which will be named ‘Your Ocean’ will help students to be aware of the vast diversity of ocean habitats and ocean life with a regional flavour. It provides a unique experience that demonstrates how the ocean exists and how it is interconnected with global systems. “The eight-year-old human endurance gallery at the centre will be replaced by the ocean gallery. The human endurance gallery that showcases the link between science, sports and human endurance was set up on February 16, 2007.
According to our norm, a gallery should be modified after six or seven years and should introduce fresh attractions at regular intervals. Hence we are launching the ocean gallery project. It will be set up using Rs 50 lakh in a space of 4,200 sq ft,” said RSCP Director V S Ramachandran.As many as 15 interactive models of modern technology and equipment used in ocean exploration will be set up in the gallery. Large marine and live aquarium,video displays, multimedia games and scenic recreations are the other major highlights of the gallery. Interestingly a 20-feet length working model of giant blue whale will be hanged in the ceiling with an open mouth, as if to swallow up visitors with its enormous jaws. The history of Kozhikode coast that includes silk route and tales of its sea commerce will be exhibited in the gallery.“Since Kozhikode is a coastal city, we included specific local elements like the technology they used, the ocean systems, fishing and the boats,” said RSCP Technical Officer Jayant A T.