Project Paridhi
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 India celebrates Summer Solstice
SPACE encourages everyone to Join us on 21st December 2024 for a Webinar as the celebration of Winter Solstice with Project Paridhi! this online event brings together expert astronomers and space enthusiasts to delve into the significance of the Winter Solstice, its astronomical importance, and its impact on our daily lives.
“Register now for free and be a part of this enlightening session!”
Highlights
- Learn from renowned experts of Space Science and Earth.
- Understand the concept of Winter Solstice.
- Ask questions from Space Experts.
- Insights on traditional methods of observations and calculations.
- Career guidance in the field of Space science and Astronomy.
Expert Speakers:
Dr. Arun Bhardwaj – Scientist/Engineer-SG, Department of Space, ISRO
Mr. Vikrant Narang – Chief Technical Officer, SPACE India
Date & Time : 21st December 2024 ( 5:00Pm to 6:30Pm)
Registration
All Space Enthusiast are welcome to participate and register themselves to celebrate the Winter Solstice.
School Registration link – https://forms.gle/3a1vGRt7Sjs9bwSH7
Individual/Public Registration Link – https://forms.gle/FGAJpW5Hx3v3TxoG6
E-certificates will be shared to every attendee post webinar.
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
Eratosthenes and the Experiment
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:
- 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.
Media
Press Release
- Students measured Earth with Simple Maths 300 school students replicated the 2000 years old Eratosthenes experiment – March 23, 2016
- Measuring Circumference of the Earth using Simple Physics – December 23, 2015
- Hands on Science to measure Mother Earth – September 23, 2015
- SPACE celebrated summer solstice with students and public by measuring the Earth’s circumference at India Gate – June 21, 2014
- SPACE-trained Student Earth Scientists celebrated autumn equinox at their schools on 23 September, 2014 – September 24, 2014
Media Coverage
- When students measured the circumference of the earth
- Come, measure the circumference of Earth at Jantar Mantar on March 2023
- SPACE organises session for students – The Hindu Downtown, Mylapore, Chennai, July 3, 2016
- SPACE organises session for students of Chetpet schools – The Hindu Downtown, Purasawalkam, July 3, 2016
- Students from local schools replicate a field science experiment – Mylapore Times, Chennai, June 26, 2016
- Recording Sun’s Shadow to calculate the circumference of earth-student’s participated in Space Technology Program – Makkal Kural, Chennai, June 25, 2016
- Students learn solstice & astronomy – News Today, Chennai, June 22, 2016
- Space Technology Celebrates Uttarayan with students – Rajasthan Patrika, Chennai, June 25, 2016
- Project Paridhi at KRM Public School – Appollo Times, Chennai, March 27, 2016.
- Around the earth in an hour. – News today, Chennai, March 25, 2016.
- School Students Measure Circumference of the Earth – Deccan Chronicle, Chennai, March 22, 2016.
- SPACE ke flaship programme Project Paridhi ka aayojan – Rajasthan Patrika, Chennai, March 22, 2016.
- Students replicate ‘astronomical’ experiment – Daily Thanthi, Chennai, March 22, 2016.
