KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 (Bernama) -- The National Planetarium will be switching off its lights for an hour from 8.30pm on March 27 in support of Earth Hour 2010.

This will be held in conjunction with the Light Pollution Campaign organised by the National Space Agency (Angkasa) with various programmes for the public held at the planetarium the same day.

A statement from Angkasa says that among the programmes lined up from 7pm are observing objects in the sky using a portable telescope, lantern designing, a word puzzle game, an astronomy and environment-themed candle arranging competition, lighting candles during Earth Hour and a lucky draw.

The programme is held to encourage the public to reduce light pollution as well as to increase awarness on the problems and repercussions of light pollution, the statement adds.