A fun-filled hands-on science project outdoors, measure sun shadows and find the circumference of the Earth accurately! Replicate what Eratosthenes, an ancient Greek astronomer did 3000 years ago.
‘Project Paridhi’ is a flagship project of SPACE, to popularize hands-on science, students find out the circumference of the Earth by taking measurements of the shadows made by the sun in a day, as done 3000 years ago by astronomer Eratosthenes, who was able to measure it within 2% of the presently accepted value. This project was initiated 12 years ago in 2010 with the intention to increase awareness amongst Indians that science can be done without any complicated equipment.
It is a platform that proves science can be best learned by an experiment. It is open to all age groups and the public. It is typically conducted on days of Equinox. ‘Project Paridhi’ is a scientific experimental project by SPACE to popularize hands-on science.
Description of Activity
This is a hands-on science activity that involves measuring the length of shadows cast by a vertical object (gnomon) by the sunlight to determine the local noon. Simple trigonometry leads to the calculation of the circumference using the measured sun angle. This activity replicates the same activity which was done by Eratosthenes long ago.
Learning Outcomes and Benefits to Schools
Participants learn basic concepts of science in a fun way with hands-on science and use geometry and trigonometry. Some are trained as Earth Scientists and they can conduct the training for the others, which hones a leadership skill. Schools can host this project in their neighborhood to promote the experiment.
Current Programme
SPACE encourages everyone to join Project Paridhi– A flagship project by SPACE to do the hands-on science activity. Replicate Eratosthenes’s activity and calculate the circumference of the Earth using simple sun shadow measurements. To do the same, SPACE is providing an opportunity in the upcoming celestial occurrence, Summer Solstice on 21st June 2023 to all schools and the general public for special conduction of our flagship program ‘Project Paridhi’ where a large number of students will be able to participate, under the guidance of our Educators.
SPACE India celebrates Summer Solstice All Schools are welcome to participate and register themselves to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Latest by 21st June, 2023
Last date of submission: 30th June 2023. E-certificates will be shared on submission of observations, post the last date of submission.
The Experiment
This project involves the reading of shadows cast by a gnomon at the local noon. This can be done by different teams at one or more locations that have the same longitudes on the Globe.
For example, cities like New Delhi, Bangalore, and Alma-ta in Kazakhstan fall almost at one degree of longitude, and readings are taken at the same time from these cities which can tell us about the size and shape of the Earth. This experiment can be performed on any day but the conduction on the specific days of EQUINOX is preferred, as the position of the sun on these days is directly overhead the Tropics of Capricorn or Tropics of Cancer or the Equator, making the sun’s angle equal to or directly related to the latitude of the location. This makes the experiment easier to conduct and also helps in understanding the equinox.
To know more about the experiment, see the following
Student Earth Scientist is an exclusive program where students are trained in the conduction of Project Paridhiand its technical aspects. The trained students can further conduct this activity in their schools and societies to enable maximum awareness in the students by encouraging them to participate in the activity. These trained students will form a ‘Student Earth Scientists’ team who will accompany SPACE for the conduction of scientific projects and train other students.
Achievements
Project Paridhi is a flagship program of SPACE and has achieved many credits:
Launched in 2010, 5000 students and the local public from different parts of India had taken part in Project Paridhi.
Paridhi had been conducted at different landmarks like JantarMantar, QutubMinar and the Sundial at Barapullah flyover and at locations like Chennai and Ludhiana in India.
It has been accredited in a report on ‘Astronomy in public places’ by French Professors, Mr Prof Denis Savoie and Prof Bonnet Bidaud.
VIPs such as DG of Archaeological Survey of India and Deputy CM Delhi, Mr Manish Sisodia have graced the conductions and encouraged the students.
Earth’s circumference has been calculated up to 99% accuracy till date in this project.
Gallery
SPACE Chief Technology Officer was live on 18th March 2019 from SarvodayaVidyalaya ,PushpVihar while explaining the experiment Project Paridhi –Link 1
SPACE educator while conducting the experiment of Project Paridhi 2019 in the ground of SarvodayaVidyalaya ,PushpVihar –Link 2
Project Paridhi
Overview
A fun-filled hands-on science project outdoors, measure sun shadows and find the circumference of the Earth accurately! Replicate what Eratosthenes, an ancient Greek astronomer did 3000 years ago.
‘Project Paridhi’ is a flagship project of SPACE, to popularize hands-on science, students find out the circumference of the Earth by taking measurements of the shadows made by the sun in a day, as done 3000 years ago by astronomer Eratosthenes, who was able to measure it within 2% of the presently accepted value. This project was initiated 12 years ago in 2010 with the intention to increase awareness amongst Indians that science can be done without any complicated equipment.
It is a platform that proves science can be best learned by an experiment. It is open to all age groups and the public. It is typically conducted on days of Equinox. ‘Project Paridhi’ is a scientific experimental project by SPACE to popularize hands-on science.
Description of Activity
This is a hands-on science activity that involves measuring the length of shadows cast by a vertical object (gnomon) by the sunlight to determine the local noon. Simple trigonometry leads to the calculation of the circumference using the measured sun angle. This activity replicates the same activity which was done by Eratosthenes long ago.
Learning Outcomes and Benefits to Schools
Participants learn basic concepts of science in a fun way with hands-on science and use geometry and trigonometry. Some are trained as Earth Scientists and they can conduct the training for the others, which hones a leadership skill. Schools can host this project in their neighborhood to promote the experiment.
Current Programme
SPACE encourages everyone to join Project Paridhi– A flagship project by SPACE to do the hands-on science activity. Replicate Eratosthenes’s activity and calculate the circumference of the Earth using simple sun shadow measurements. To do the same, SPACE is providing an opportunity in the upcoming celestial occurrence, Summer Solstice on 21st June 2023 to all schools and the general public for special conduction of our flagship program ‘Project Paridhi’ where a large number of students will be able to participate, under the guidance of our Educators.
SPACE India celebrates Summer Solstice
All Schools are welcome to participate and register themselves to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Latest by 21st June, 2023
Register Here : https://forms.gle/eGnGPm8mmcPSGA917
Submit your observations here – https://forms.gle/QWoFytSp6DyjPEv87
Last date of submission: 30th June 2023.
E-certificates will be shared on submission of observations, post the last date of submission.
The Experiment
This project involves the reading of shadows cast by a gnomon at the local noon. This can be done by different teams at one or more locations that have the same longitudes on the Globe.
For example, cities like New Delhi, Bangalore, and Alma-ta in Kazakhstan fall almost at one degree of longitude, and readings are taken at the same time from these cities which can tell us about the size and shape of the Earth. This experiment can be performed on any day but the conduction on the specific days of EQUINOX is preferred, as the position of the sun on these days is directly overhead the Tropics of Capricorn or Tropics of Cancer or the Equator, making the sun’s angle equal to or directly related to the latitude of the location. This makes the experiment easier to conduct and also helps in understanding the equinox.
To know more about the experiment, see the following
What is vernal equinox?
Eratosthenes and the Experiment
How to do the Eratosthenes Experiment
Frequently Asked Questions
Student Earth Scientist
Student Earth Scientist is an exclusive program where students are trained in the conduction of Project Paridhiand its technical aspects. The trained students can further conduct this activity in their schools and societies to enable maximum awareness in the students by encouraging them to participate in the activity. These trained students will form a ‘Student Earth Scientists’ team who will accompany SPACE for the conduction of scientific projects and train other students.
Achievements
Project Paridhi is a flagship program of SPACE and has achieved many credits:
Gallery
SPACE Chief Technology Officer was live on 18th March 2019 from SarvodayaVidyalaya ,PushpVihar while explaining the experiment Project Paridhi –Link 1
SPACE educator while conducting the experiment of Project Paridhi 2019 in the ground of SarvodayaVidyalaya ,PushpVihar –Link 2
Media
Press Release
Media Coverage