Place – Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum Plaza, Byculla, Mumbai
Date – 30-06-2024
Space India organized an exciting Astro Carnival on the 30th of June (Asteroid Day, 116th anniversary of the Tunguska event) aimed at promoting astronomy and educating the public about the wonders of the universe. The event was in collaboration with Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum to spread awareness about Asteroids and celebrate Asteroid day 2024. This location likely offers high foot traffic, allowing Space India to reach a large and diverse audience. This approach provided an opportunity for meaningful interactions and discussions with the public.
Space India’s vision for its scientific outreach program is to ignite a passion for exploration and discovery, empowering individuals to delve into the depths of the cosmos. Our goal is to not only impact the scientific community but also inspire the next generation of astronomers and space enthusiasts. By fostering curiosity and providing engaging experiences in astronomy and science education, we aim to add a touch of excitement and wonder to the journey of understanding and resolving the mysteries of the universe.
Mr. Arvind Paranjpye, the Director of Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai, and Ms. Swati Kalwar, the former CEO of the Energy Swaraj Foundation, graced the event as distinguished dignitaries. The event commenced at 11 am with the arrival of guests. Mr. Paranjpye delivered an engaging address to the students, setting the stage for an interactive session where the educator informed them about asteroids and their potential impact on Earth. The session concluded with a stimulating quiz competition, allowing students to test their newfound knowledge in a fun and competitive manner. The event featured a diverse range of engaging activities designed to captivate attendees of all ages and backgrounds.
Arvind Paranjpye commented: “I am delighted to be at SPACE India’s Astro Carnival. This is a commendable initiative. The team has travelled all the way from Delhi to Mumbai. I extend my best wishes to Dr. Sachin Bahmba, Founder of SPACE Group, and Ms. Shalini Bahmba, Co-Founder of SPACE Group. Their outreach programs have made a significant impact.”
One of the highlights of these events was the comet-making activity, where participants had the opportunity to learn how comets are formed. This hands-on experience allowed the audience to create their own miniature comets, gaining insight into the composition and characteristics of these celestial objects. The activity not only provided a fun and interactive way to understand comets but also sparked curiosity about the science behind them.
Another fascinating activity was the AR VR (Augmented Reality Virtual Reality), where the public had access to VR headsets enabling experiences that range from realistic simulations to entirely fantastical realms. This experience allowed participants to float in space. They observed International Space Station, Sun, Satellites, Stars and Milky way in a simulation. They were awestruck while describing their experiences and thought the idea of inculcating astronomy with such technology is wonderful.
Additionally, there was an activity of Solar system hunt. Attendees could experience firsthand the differences in sizes of the planets while hunting them down in the museum’s area. This interactive treasure hunt not only educated the public about the varying sizes and features on different planets but also made the learning process engaging.
The event attracted a diverse crowd, with over 1000 people of all ages showing keen interest and asking numerous questions about space and astronomy. Several Mumbai schools, including Ideal English School, Thane; Ryan International School, Panvel West, St. Joseph’s High School, Panvel West and St. Joseph’s High School, Khanda Colony New Panvel (W), were present at the event. It was a tremendous success, with a large turnout of enthusiastic attendees. Parents praised our efforts in educating young minds and spreading awareness about space and astronomy.
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