Purana Qila, also known as Old Fort, is a historic site located in the heart of Delhi, India. The fort dates back to the 16th century and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
SPACE India collaborated with the National Science Centre, Ministry of Culture, and the Nehru Planetarium, New Delhi for the Astro Night Sky Tourism: A Sky Gazing Event.
On 5th and 6th February from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, a sky gazing event was held at Old Fort by SPACE India, where the general public was able to see the Moon, Venus, Jupiter, the Orion Nebula, and the Pleiades star cluster through Telescopes and Binoculars. Along with the observation of celestial objects through telescopes and binoculars, the event included various activities such as comet making, rocket launch, and wandering through the solar system. Additionally, there were many fun games for kids of different ages.
SPACE India is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of scientists, explorers, astronauts, and entrepreneurs from an early age. The organization recognizes the importance of instilling a scientific mindset in youth and to help them discover their true potential and a prospect towards Space Technology career or as Space Educator career. By fostering a passion for innovation and discovery, SPACE India aims to empower students to lead the world with new ideas and breakthroughs that can shape our future and help survive Earth from potential threats like Asteroids in future.
The event begins with a brief introduction to astronomy and the history of Purana Qila. Visitors are then led to the observation deck, which offers stunning views of the night sky. The event was attended by a crowd of 500+ visitors.
We used high-powered telescopes through Space Arcade (www.spacearcade.in) to show visitors the moon, stars, and other celestial bodies up close. Visitors were able to observe the craters on the moon, the Pleiades star cluster, and the Orion Nebula.
The Pleiades star cluster also known as the Seven Sisters is a group of stars that can be easily observed with the naked eye. It is located in the constellation Taurus and contains more than 1,000 stars.
The Orion Nebula, on the other hand, is a diffuse nebula located in the constellation Orion. It is one of the brightest nebulae in the sky and is visible to the naked eye as a fuzzy patch of light. The Orion Nebula is also known as Messier 42 or M42, named after the French astronomer Charles Messier who cataloged it in the late 18th century.
The Astro Night Sky Tourism event is not only informative and educational but also a fun and interactive experience. Visitors are able to explore the universe in a way that is not possible in their day-to-day lives. The event offers a unique opportunity to learn about astronomy and the cosmos while also enjoying the historic surroundings of Purana Qila.
The visitors were struck by a sense of humility upon realizing the vastness of the universe and the relatively small role that humanity plays in it. They were particularly fascinated by the fact that celestial objects are located millions of kilometers away and that light from some of them can take many years to reach us. This realization helped put things into perspective and reminded them of the grandeur and age of the cosmos.
The event was a huge success, with kids beaming with excitement and wonder after looking at the moon up close. We witnessed surprise visitors when little kids and parents were wandering through the zoo near Old Fort and later out of excitement they joined us to witness the stars and planets through telescopes and binoculars.
Science teachers communicate Science and Astronomy to visitors
By providing opportunities for families and children to learn about science and explore the natural world, we can help inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers. These experiences can help foster a sense of curiosity and wonder that can last a lifetime, and help prepare our children for the challenges and opportunities of the future. For example, ISRO and NASA would need quality and passionate Scientists & Astronauts for Space exploration in years to come, and we want to make sure that we provide the world with geniuses and that Space is the foundation step for grassroots to take in their upbringing and career developments.
Space group wishes to keep doing such outreach events for science and astronomy community to grow. Follow us on social media and fill the form on website (Book your Interest) so you are updated for next events.
Stay tuned for more upcoming events, meanwhile read our Galactica Magazines & Aim for the Moon!
