Chennai Architect Brings the Cosmos to Marina Beach with Affordable ‘Moon Show’
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A freelance architect is captivating beachgoers in Chennai with an accessible and awe-inspiring glimpse into the night sky, offering telescope viewings of the moon, stars, and planets for just ₹50.
It’s increasingly difficult to find dark skies in bustling urban centers, but Chennai residents are finding a unique prospect to connect with the cosmos thanks to the initiative of a local enthusiast. As the city expands, the beach remains one of the best vantage points for stargazing, and one architect is making the experience even more magical.
A ‘Moon Show’ on the Shore
Sharan, a freelance architect, transforms into an astronomy educator each evening.He loads his telescope into his car at dusk and sets up his “moon show” along the shore of Marina Beach,typically opposite Vivekananda House. For a nominal fee, visitors can peer through the lens and witness the wonders of the universe firsthand.
“It was really good seeing the moon up close,” remarked one first-time viewer, expressing the sentiment shared by many. The telescope’s appeal extends beyond casual beachgoers, attracting those with a lifelong captivation for space. Aarthi Murugan, a commerce student, shared that looking through the telescope “felt like I relived a small part of that childhood dream,” recalling her earlier aspirations to study aerospace engineering.
Growing Interest in Stargazing
while organized stargazing trips to suburban locations are gaining popularity in Chennai, Sharan’s beachside setup offers an accessible alternative for those without the means or time to travel. This democratizes access to the night sky, bringing the wonders of the universe to a wider audience.
Sharan doesn’t just offer a view; he shares his knowlege. He engages visitors by gauging their interest in the sky and then seamlessly incorporates engaging astronomical facts. “Did you know the moon is 3.84 lakh kilometres away?” he asks,then provides a relatable comparison: “The craters might look close to each other,but they are actually as far apart as,say,Delhi and Mumbai.”
A Family-Kind Experience
The affordability of the experience is a key draw for families. A mother accompanying her children, Prithvi and Praneetha, on a rare school-night outing, noted, “The price is reasonable. Not too high, not too low. Definitely worth it for kids to experience.” The wide-eyed “wow” from Prithvi upon his first glimpse of the moon perfectly encapsulated the awe and delight that this celestial body
Published – August 21, 2025 06:00 pm IST
Expanded News Report (answering Why, Who, What, and How it ended – though the story is ongoing, we can address its current state):
Why: Sharan, a freelance architect, initiated the “moon show” to address the increasing difficulty of experiencing dark skies in urban Chennai and to democratize access to astronomy. He recognized a need for an affordable and accessible way for people to connect with the cosmos.
Who: The key figure is Sharan, a freelance architect in Chennai. the initiative also involves Chennai residents, particularly families and students, who are the primary audience. Aarthi Murugan, a commerce student, and the mother with her children, Prithvi and Praneetha, are examples of those impacted
