NewZNew (Zirakpur) : To develop an interest among students in Space science International Space Society (ISS) in association with Jyotirvidya Parisanstha (JVP), Pune organized an overnight Star Gazing party – ‘Starry Night’, at Dikshant Global School, VIP Road, and Zirakpur.
“The world is gearing up to celebrate International Astronomy Day on May 14 so we held a Star gazing activity which started at 6:30 pm with onset of Sunset & continued through the night till sunrise at 5:45 am. The equipment like telescopes etc. were brought by JVP & the star gazing was done under the guidance of two very experienced Space Science experts from JVP.”Said Mitul Dikshit, President, ISS & Chairman, Dikshant Group of Schools.
It is noteworthy that JVP was formed in August 1944 by a group of eminent astronomers & is the oldest association of amateur astronomers in India
“We used ultra-modern telescopes with which students & other enthusiasts were able to catch a glimpse of three of Jupiter’s moons — Europa, Ganymede and Callisto; of Saturn’s stunning rings and of the moon in such detail that its remarkable craters would not leave participants’ thoughts for a long time.” Said Atharva Pathak, An Expert from JVP, Pune.
During the night long event three sky shows were held & an Astro Movie was also shown. “It was great experience. I saw the Planets with great clarity.” Said Saksham, a Class X student of Dikshant International School, Zirakpur.
“We also showed students’ constellations by drawing them across the night sky with laser pointers. Those participating also got to see the striking Andromeda galaxy through a telescope. What’s more, they also got to hear stories about the great Goddesses and Gods of Greek and Indian mythology and how those countless stars in countless constellations were named after them.” Said Sarang Sahasrabudhe the other Expert from JVP, Pune.
It was a first time that such a huge Star Gazing event has taken place in tricity. Overall the Star Gazing activity turned out to be very exciting for the over 200 students of Dikshant International & Global Schools, Zirakpur and of other schools of the region.
