Water reactor model depicting India’s nuclear prowess a hit at National Science Centre

The country celebrated the International Museum Day on Monday to highlight the role of museums in cultural exchange and peace.

The global theme this year is “Museums Uniting a Divided World", emphasising the potential of museums to act as bridges across cultural and social divides.

To mark the day, the Ministry of Culture allowed free entry to all National Council of Science museums.

At the National Science Centre in the national capital, the day was celebrated by unveiling a water reactor model depicting India’s nuclear prowess, organising 3D films, heritage gallery and a special stargazing programme.

“I have been a visitor to the Centre since I was a kid. I was very impressed by the water reactor model exhibit and the way which the entire nuclear energy section was redone by the Centre for the occasion,” Abhinav Kashyap, a science graduate, said.

Another visitor said the government should keep updating and adding more interesting additions to the place so that the next generation also gets inspired by the exhibits.

The unveiling of the 700 MWe “Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor” model was a major highlight of the day.

“Museums are more than just buildings; they are spaces that bridge gaps and unite people through shared knowledge and heritage. We are happy the nuclear energy water reactor model grabbed many eyeballs on the day,” an official of the National Science Centre said.

The model helps the visitors understand how nuclear power stations generate electricity. The IPHWR reactor is a horizontal pressure tube type. These tubes are housed in a horizontal vessel called Calandria. It is filled with heavy water moderator.

The tubes contain 12 fuel assemblies each and circulating pressurised heavy water coolant. This coolant collects heat from the fuel (natural uranium dioxide) and transfers it to the secondary coolant water to generate steam in the steam generators. This steam is then condensed, reheated, deaerated and pumped back to the reactor. The moderator heavy water is kept circulating and is maintained at around 70 degrees Celsius.

The National Science Centre also organised a 3D film titled “Aliens among the Stars”. It is an exciting immersive sci-fi feature produced by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM).

The film features thrilling space exploration concepts and extraterrestrial adventures for students and astronomy enthusiasts.

Many people also queued up for the special stargazing programme. The “Aakash Darshan”

Sky Observation programme featured sophisticated refracting telescopes. These sessions, guided by astronomy experts, allow visitors to view the Moon's craters, planets, and constellations.