It will periodically review the developments in the areas of Planetarium functioning, programmes, technical developments etc.
As some of the viewers are aware, the International Planetarium Directors' Congress started in the late fiftees in NEW YORK(1959) when some of the Directors of the well known Planetaria met and discussed matters of mutual interest in Planetarium Programming, Administration and Finance.The first conference developed into an International Forum and the second Congress held the deliberations at the two German Planetaria in Bochum and Munich by Herr.H. Kaminski (Director of the Bochum Observatory and Bochum Planetarium and Director of the Institute for Satellite and Space Research). The Congress at Munich was organised by Prof. Dr. H. Auer(Scientific Director of the Deutsches Museum and Planetarium). The Conference held its deliberations at Bochum from June 5 to 8, 1966 and at Munich on June 11 and 12. There were delegates from West Germany, U.S.A., Japan, Belgium, Netherland, Austria,Greece, France and South America. Twenty one papers were presenred.In his report Dr.Kaminski mentioned that it was the first time that it was possible to discuss on Planetarium activities on an almost world-wide basis.
In the light of the great success of these two International Conferences which brought the professional colleagues closer, the III International Congress was organised by Prof. Hermann Mucke Director of the Wein Planetarium and Urania Observatory from 7th to 11th July in 1969. At this 3rd Congress 63 delegates from 12 countries participated in professional sessions amd 18 papers were presented.Writing in the report of the Conference Prof.Mucke mentioned that the choice of Vienna was made in the hopes of a truly international participation which was facilitated in a neutral country like Austria. These hopes,he said were fulfilled. It was considered particularly valuable that delegates of the two largest planetarium instrument manufacturers,-Carl Zeiss,Jena and Carl Zeiss, Oberkochen not only participated in the convention but also demonstrated latest developments under the dome. Prof Mucke further added "The firms Carl Zeiss Oberkochen and Claus Baader, Munich had exhibitions in the entrance hall of the Wein Planetarium.The working demonstration of Handermann's Orbitoscope (Basel 1918) which is considered to be the first projection planetarium was observed by delegates with great interest." The papers presented again dealt with various ideas and techniques being employed by several Planetaria for a better understanding of Astronomy by public and students
It was in mid 1969 that Prof. R. Subramanian came to Vienna (before going to Warsaw to attend the Conference of the International Council of Museums of UNESCO as India's Delegate)and discussed with him the details of the IPDC and he was personally invited to attend the IV th International Planetarium Directors' Congress which was scheduled to take place in 1972.Accordingly Prof. R.Subramanian as Director of the M.P.Birla Planetarium attended and participated for the first time in the IVth IPDC from July 22-30, 1972. This Congress took place at three points viz Toronto, Rochester and Chicago. This conference as the previous ones was characterised by many reunions and new contacts between the Planetarium Directors and was most successful in presenting the latest developments in the Planetarium field.The success was due to the careful, expert preparation of Dr. Henry C. King, Director, Mc Laughlin Planetarium, Toranto; Dr.Donald S. Hall, Director, The Strasenburgh Planetarium, Rochester; and Dr. Joseph M. Chamberlain, Director, The Adler Planetarium, Chicago. In addition the great efforts of their staff should be mentioned who took the additonal burden upon themselves.
During the Toronto session the organisers arranged a group visit for delegates to the David Danlop Observatory. The huge Grubb-Parsons 188 cm. reflector telescope was the object of the special interest. During the Chicago session the delegates had the opportunity of inspecting the Antique Instrument Collection. Mrs. and Mr. R.S.Webster, its' curators kindly gave detailed information about the collection.The delegates also had the opportunity of a visit to the famous Yerkes Observatory and had occasion to see in detail the working of the 102 cm. (40") refractor telescope - the largest in the world.
As decided at the 4th International Planetarium Directors' Congress, the 5th Congress was held at Prague (Czekhoslavakia) and at Chorzow (Poland) from 16th - 23rd August, 1975.
The arrangements for the sessions at Planetaium Prague were organized by the Director Dr.A.Rukl and the sessions at Chorzow were organized by Prof.Walchiewicz and the Scientific Deputy Director Dr.M. Pankow.Thirty-one delegates representing 18 institutions from 12 countries participated in the conference. The delegates were also invited to the Observatory of the Czekhoslovac Academy of Science at Ondrejov, where they evinced particular interest in the 2 metre diameter reflecting telescope.
The 6th Planetarium Directors' Congress took place from 21st to 24th August 1978 at Nagoya as per earlier decision and was organised with superb thoroughness by Dr.Tomo-O Sato, Director of that Institution.Sixty-five delegates from thrity-two institutions from the five continents including representatives of the important producers of Planetarium facilities participated in the congress. The delegates had the opportunity of witnessing Toyoto Cars rolling out in the factory line and they were delighted to watch the demonstration of the wearing off "Kimono" (in which some of the lady delegates participated).The delegates also participated in the traditional Japanese Tea ceremony. At this Congress, the final decision and voting were taken to have the seventh Congress at M.P.Birla Planetarium, Calcutta.Accordingly this congress was organised towards the
end of 1980 into the new year of 1981
As before, the Conferences were held every three years very regularly: in 1984 the Congress was held at Stuttgart, Berlin and Hamburg; in 1987 at Moscow; in 1990 at Washington and New york; in 1993 at Madrid; in 1996 at Budapest, Vienna and Prague;in 1999 at Fort Lauderdale(Florida); the 2002 congress was to have been held at Mannheim but was postponed and rescheduled to 2003 and this again was postponed. Dr.Wacker, Director, Mannheim Planetarium reported "poor response" as the reason. It will now be held from 29th December 2003 to 2nd January, 2004 at M.P.Birla Planetarium, Kolkata700071.(India).As for various reasons the International Congress has not yet met, Prof.R.Subramanian will continue to hold the position of President till the date and venue of the Congress is finalised and held.