SHRI SHIVAJI SCIENCE COLLEGE, AMRAVATI
DBT STAR COLLEGE PROJECT ACTIVITY
ACTIVITY REPORT
The Star Gazing Night
Activity Dates: 18/10/2024
Type of Activity: Outreach Activity
Organizing Department: Department of Physics
Program Coordinators: Ms. S.M. Butte and Mr. S.S. Korde
Head of the Department: Dr. P. A. Nagpure
External Collaborator (if any): Schools in the Amravati City
Objectives:
- Promote Interest in Astronomy: To spark curiosity about the universe and foster an interest in astronomy among school and college students by offering a guided stargazing experience.
- Provide Hands-On Learning: To give students practical exposure to celestial observation using telescopes and astronomy applications, allowing them to directly observe planets, moons, and constellations.
- Enhance Understanding of Celestial Phenomena: To deepen students' understanding of celestial bodies and phenomena, including the Supermoon, Saturn's rings, and planetary systems, through expert explanations and interactive sessions.
- Encourage Critical Thinking and Inquiry: To create an open environment where students can ask questions, engage in discussions, and develop critical thinking by learning about the science behind each observed object.
- Promote Independent Exploration of Astronomy: To introduce students to tools like Stellarium and Sky Map, equipping them with resources to continue exploring the night sky independently and cultivate an enduring interest in astronomy.
No of Beneficieries: 124 School and College Students
Classes Involved: School and College Students
Venue of the Activity: Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Science and Innovation Activity Centre, Amravati
Activity Report:
On October 18, 2024, the Department of Physics at Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, hosted an eagerly anticipated stargazing event. Initially planned for September 28, 2024, the event had to be rescheduled due to bad weather, a common but sometimes disappointing aspect of sky-watching activities. However, the postponement was a blessing in disguise as the skies cleared beautifully on the new date, creating an ideal atmosphere for observing celestial bodies in their full splendor.
The main attraction of the night was a rare astronomical phenomenon – the Supermoon. Alongside this stunning lunar event, participants also had the chance to observe Saturn’s iconic rings, the bright Venus, and Jupiter with its spectacular moons. The event attracted students from both school and college levels, inviting them to explore the vast and awe-inspiring world of astronomy. The goal was to instill a sense of curiosity and wonder in the participants by allowing them to observe planets and stars up close, understand the workings of the universe, and appreciate the beauty of the night sky.
The event was led by Dr. P.A. Nagpure, Head of the Department of Physics, who guided participants through the planetary systems and answered a range of astronomy-related questions. Coordinators Ms. S.M. Butte and Mr. S.S. Korde made all the necessary arrangements, including setting up an 8-inch Celestron telescope and giant binoculars at the observation terrace of Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Science and Innovation Activity Centre. The event’s organization, coordination, and the enthusiastic response of the participants made the evening a memorable journey into the cosmos.
The primary aim of the stargazing night was to promote interest in astronomy among young students and give them an engaging introduction to celestial observation. By observing prominent objects such as the Supermoon, Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, and the dazzling planet Venus, students had the opportunity to experience firsthand the wonders of the universe. In addition to observational activities, Dr. Nagpure’s informative guidance and explanations provided deeper insights into the mysteries of the cosmos, further enriching the learning experience.
Moreover, the event sought to encourage curiosity and critical thinking by fostering an environment where students could ask questions, discuss their observations, and engage with experts. This interactive approach aimed to lay the groundwork for students who may wish to pursue astronomy or related scientific fields, providing them with a foundational understanding of some essential celestial phenomena.
Event Highlights
The Supermoon:
The event kicked off with the observation of the Supermoon, an occurrence when the full moon is at its closest point to Earth, appearing larger and brighter than usual. Through telescopes, participants observed the intricate details of the Moon’s surface, including its craters, ridges, and valleys. This close-up view allowed students to appreciate the rugged and dynamic nature of our nearest celestial neighbor, sparking interest and wonder.
Venus – The Bright Evening Star:
As the evening progressed, Venus, known for its intense brightness, graced the sky until around 8:00 PM. Participants could observe Venus through binoculars and telescopes, experiencing firsthand the brilliant light of Earth’s “sister planet.” This was especially captivating for those unfamiliar with Venus’s prominence in the night sky, providing an introduction to the second planet’s visibility patterns and composition.
Jupiter and Its Moons:
As darkness deepened, Jupiter rose into view, bringing with it a spectacular show. Participants could see not only the gas giant but also its four largest moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. These moons, visible as tiny points of light orbiting Jupiter, fascinated the attendees, as they represent some of the most interesting bodies in the solar system with the potential for further exploration. The high-quality telescopes provided clear views of Jupiter’s cloud bands, allowing participants to see the unique features of this enormous planet.
Saturn and Its Iconic Rings:
Another highlight was the observation of Saturn and its magnificent ring system. Saturn’s rings, composed of ice and rock, have always intrigued astronomers and stargazers alike. The telescopes captured Saturn's rings clearly, revealing details that would otherwise remain invisible to the naked eye. This sight, coupled with Saturn’s yellowish hue, captivated the audience, and the experience was made even more memorable by observing some of Saturn’s moons in orbit.
Event Structure and Setup
The event was meticulously structured to provide participants with a seamless and enriching experience. Given the unpredictable nature of sky watching, the coordinators ensured all equipment was properly calibrated and positioned for optimal observation. Ms. S.M. Butte and Mr. S.S. Korde, the event coordinators, managed the arrangements of the 8-inch Celestron telescope and giant binoculars on the terrace of the Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Science and Innovation Activity Centre.
Each observation segment was guided by experts who shared details about the celestial bodies being observed, including their characteristics, significance, and composition. Students had access to applications like Stellarium and Sky Map, which allowed them to pinpoint constellations and locate planets, providing a modern approach to stargazing. These tools proved valuable in helping students understand how celestial bodies move across the night sky and how they could continue exploring the night sky on their own after the event.
In addition, Dr. P.A. Nagpure, with his knowledge of astronomy, delivered an interactive session on the basics of our planetary system and various celestial phenomena. He explained the unique aspects of each planet observed and addressed the questions posed by curious participants. His explanations ranged from introductory-level concepts for the younger participants to more detailed discussions that captivated even those with prior knowledge of astronomy.
Participants and Engagement
The event saw active participation from students across various age groups:
School Students: A total of 70 students attended from local schools such as Shri Shivaji Ideal English School, Gyanmata High School, Kasturba English School, and Prem Kishore Sikchi High School, Manibai Gujrati High School.
College Students: 54 students from Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, attended the event.
The interactive nature of the event kept the students engaged throughout, as they could ask questions, discuss their observations, and participate in guided observation sessions. The coordinators made the event accessible to students at all levels by providing detailed explanations and making complex scientific ideas understandable. Open discussions allowed participants to share their thoughts, express their curiosity, and learn in a collaborative environment.
Outcome and Learning Experience
The Sky Watching Event effectively met its objectives by fostering a passion for astronomy among the participants. Many students expressed amazement at witnessing celestial objects like Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons up close, which they had previously only seen in pictures or read about in books. The hands-on experience of using telescopes and astronomy applications encouraged a practical understanding of astronomy and brought the universe closer to the participants.
For school students, the experience served as a foundational introduction to astronomy, sparking interest in a subject they may wish to explore further. College students, on the other hand, found the event beneficial as it enhanced their understanding of planetary sciences, potentially inspiring future studies in the field. The event left all participants with a lasting appreciation for the vastness and beauty of the universe, transforming the night into a memorable experience of scientific exploration.
Conclusion
The Sky Watching Event was a well-received, successful endeavor, achieving its aim of combining scientific learning with public engagement. By allowing participants to view celestial phenomena firsthand and guiding them through the intricacies of astronomy, the Department of Physics at Shri Shivaji Science College effectively promoted awareness and interest in this fascinating field. Dr. Nagpure’s informative sessions and the meticulous coordination by Ms. Butte and Mr. Korde made the event accessible, interactive, and memorable for all attendees.
In addition, the inclusion of technology like Stellarium and Sky Map provided participants with practical tools to continue their exploration of the night sky independently. By the end of the evening, students left not only with newfound knowledge but also with a sense of wonder and curiosity about the universe and the science of astronomy. The event succeeded in creating an educational experience that was as enlightening as it was inspiring, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.
Outcomes:
- The event successfully ignited a passion for astronomy among participants, inspiring many to learn more about celestial bodies and the science of space.
- Students gained practical experience in using telescopes and astronomy applications, such as Stellarium and Sky Map, enhancing their skills in locating and observing planets, moons, and stars.
- Participants left with a deeper understanding of celestial events and objects, including the Supermoon, Saturn’s rings, and Jupiter’s moons, thanks to expert-guided sessions and detailed explanations.
- The interactive sessions encouraged students to ask questions and think critically about the night sky, fostering a scientific mindset and curiosity about the universe.
- The event provided an unforgettable night of exploration and learning, leaving students with lasting memories of stargazing and a strengthened appreciation for the wonders of the cosmos.
Photos:
 Photograph with students and teachers with the telescope. |  Students observing sky through binoculars |
 Moon photograph captured through telescope using mobile camera |  Jupiter and its Moons: Photograph captured through telescope using mobile camera |
 Binocular arrangement with stand focusing the moon |  Students observing Planets through telescope |
Attendance Sheet:
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