On the evening of 21st December 2024, SPACE India hosted an insightful webinar titled “Unlocking the Secrets of Winter Solstice.” This engaging event brought together astronomy enthusiasts and experts to delve into the mysteries of this astronomical phenomenon, which marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. The session was hosted by Rishita Sharma, an educator passionate about astronomy and science outreach.
The webinar highlighted the significance of the Winter Solstice, explaining how this day symbolises the Sun reaching its lowest position in the sky. The event was a celebration of SPACE India’s mission to popularize astronomy and space science education. With initiatives like the All India Asteroid Search Campaign (AIASC) in collaboration with NASA and Astro Night Sky Tourism, SPACE India continues to inspire curiosity and knowledge about space exploration.
The event featured two distinguished speakers who brought their wealth of knowledge and expertise to the audience:
Dr Arun Bhardwaj, a Senior Scientist/Engineer-SG at ISRO, shared his experiences from iconic space missions such as INSAT, Cartosat, Chandrayaan-1, and Mangalyaan. His insights into these groundbreaking achievements underscored the dedication and innovation driving ISRO’s success. Dr. Bhardwaj’s contributions offered participants a deeper appreciation of the science behind space exploration and its impact on our understanding of the universe.
Mr Vikrant Narang, the Chief Technology Officer of SPACE India, shared his journey of setting up an astronomical observatory in NCR and his efforts to inspire a culture of space exploration among young minds. His discussion on the importance of accessible astronomy education resonated deeply with the audience, encouraging them to explore the cosmos and dream big.
The interactive session allowed students to engage directly with the experts, asking questions ranging from technical aspects of space missions to the significance of celestial events. The thoughtful responses from the speakers created valuable learning moments, enriching the experience for all attendees.
As the webinar concluded, gratitude was expressed to Dr. Bhardwaj and Mr. Narang for their enlightening sessions and to the enthusiastic participants who contributed to the event’s success. The “Unlocking the Secrets of Winter Solstice” webinar exemplified SPACE India’s commitment to fostering a love for astronomy and space science. Participants left with newfound knowledge and a renewed sense of wonder, inspired to continue their exploration of the universe. With such events, SPACE India continues to lead the way in making the cosmos accessible and inspiring for future generations.
