Gujarat's 'Tropic of Cancer Science Park' draws 3,500 visitors in two months

More than 3500 visitors have visited the newly developed Tropic of Cancer Science Park at Salal village in Prantij taluka of Sabarkantha district within two months of its inauguration with authorities expecting footfall to increase further during the ongoing summer vacationThe park developed by the Gujarat Council on Science and Technology GUJCOST under the state governmentrsquos Department of Science and Technology was inaugurated on March 11 by Chief Minister Bhupendra PatelBuilt at an estimated cost of Rs eight crore over an area of 5930 square metres the project has been designed to promote scientific awareness among citizens particularly students while explaining the geographical and astronomical significance of the Tropic of Cancer passing through GujaratDuring the inauguration Patel had said that such initiatives were important for nurturing scientific temperament among citizens and studentsOfficials also noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasised the need to promote scientific thinking and develop understanding among children about the capabilities of modern scienceThe park has emerged as a science tourism destination attracting students tourists and science enthusiastsOfficials said the facility functions as an interactive educational and research centre where visitors can understand the relationship between the Earth and the Sun seasonal variations and the scientific importance of the Tropic of CancerThe park has been designed as a selfexplanatory platform featuring outdoor exhibits astronomical structures and visitor amenitiesThrough various scientific displays and instruments visitors can observe how the Earthrsquos axial tilt affects seasons how the Sunrsquos movement and shadows change during the year and how sundials can be used to measure time and determine the Sunrsquos positionAuthorities described the site as a living openair science laboratory for students and teachersVisitors to the park can also experience standing on a latitude line of global significance Apart from scientific exhibits the site includes natural surroundings and spaces for cultural programmesOfficials said the project is also expected to create new opportunities for local employment and developmentAccording to officials tropical regions are parts of the Earth located near its centre and are known for rich biodiversityThese regions cover around 40 per cent of the Earthrsquos land area and lie between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn The Tropic of Cancer also known as the northern tropic is one of the five major circles of latitude that divide the EarthIt is the northernmost latitude where the Sun can appear directly overhead at noon The imaginary line lies at 235 degrees north of the Equator and passes through 16 countries three continents and six water bodies worldwideIn India the Tropic of Cancer passes through eight states mdash Gujarat Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh Jharkhand West Bengal Tripura and MizoramIn Gujarat it passes through seven districts Aravalli Sabarkantha Gandhinagar Mehsana Surendranagar Patan and KutchOfficials said the line passing through the northern part of Gujarat contributes to the state experiencing both extremely hot and very cold weather conditionsThe government said the park had been developed to create awareness and understanding about the Tropic of Cancer and to establish the site as an exploration and research pointIt added that the initiative transforms an abstract geographical concept into a practical and informative learning experience aimed at promoting scientific awareness experiential education and innovationdriven public engagement in GujaratThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever