HANDS ON TELESCOPE & EVENING OBSERVATION
Students of Astronomy Club attended the session named “Hands on Telescope”. They were explained about the difference between the refractive telescope and a reflective telescope. They were told about the terms ‘magnification’ and ‘resolution’ of a telescope. Students were also informed about the different telescopes placed all over the world. Students were explained about the functioning of a telescope.
The second half of the session dealt with the setting up of the reflective telescope and observation of the lunar surface and Venus planet.
Students enjoyed the hands on activity, setting up individually the telescope and observing the moon and planet Venus. They were amazed to see the craters on the surface of the moon. It was a new experience for the young and enthusiastic space discoverers.
OVERNIGHT OBSERVATION
Students of astronomy club went to an overnight observation camp to Jewar in Uttar Pradesh organized by SPACE on 6 April, 2013. 23 students along with the club coordinator Mrs. Babita Khundalia visited the site where the students observed Jupiter through the Dobsonian telescope besides they could also see all four Galilean Satellites clearly. Students were lucky to see the International space station passing over India at 8:08p.m. Students also observed Orion Nebula, ghebular clusters and other Deep sky objects. The trip was really enjoyed by the students, as they could use the plamsphere to know the position of stars and constellations in the sky; watching the beautiful planet Saturn.Overall the observation camp was a successful activity where astronomy club students learnt the basics of astronomy in an easy way and gained practical knowledge.
VISIT TO RUSSIAN CENTRE OF SCIENCE AND CULTURE
Rich tributes were paid to world’s first woman cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova at a function, specially organised for school children, at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture, jointly with the SPACE and Vigyan Prasar, on April 8, 2013. The educational programme comprised a lecture-series on Valentina Tereshkova, evolution of Russian space science, space exploration in general and achievements of Indian space research.
Around 20 students,accompanied by Babita Kundalia were present at the function.
The presentation by Ms. Yelena Shtapkina, Deputy Director (Culture & Information), specifically highlighted Valentina Tereshkova’s biographical account. Her presentation was followed by the screening of a short film on Valentina Tereshkova’s space flight.
Throwing light on the landmark achievements of Russian space science, the presentation by Mr. Andrei Sakantsev, In-Charge of Science and Technology Section, RCSC, pinpointed the contributions of Tsiolkovsky, founder of modern cosmonautics, to rocket designs and space stations. The presentation was followed by the screening of a short film on the historic space flight of Yuri Gagarin.
Dwelling upon the evolution of space science, Mr. C. B. Devgun, President, SPACE, spoke on the systematic development of space probes undertaken by Russia and India. In his presentation, Mr. Devgun traced the landmark cosmic patterns with the help of geographic maps and diagrammatic facts and figures.
Dr. T. V. Venkateswaran, Scientist ,Vigyan Prasar, Department of Science and Technology, applauded the consistent efforts taken by Indian space scientists under the guidance of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and other personalities in realising the achievements in communication and other spheres.