Steeped in history and architectural grandeur, Safdarjung Tomb stands as a remarkable testament to the opulence and elegance of the Mughal era in India. Located in the heart of New Delhi, this magnificent mausoleum serves as a tribute to Safdarjung, a notable statesman and the Prime Minister of the Mughal Empire during the reign of Muhammad Shah.
Space Technology & Education Pvt. Ltd. (Space India) formed a collaboration with the esteemed National Science Centre and Nehru Planetarium for a remarkable event known as “Astro Night Sky Tourism.” This captivating event takes place on a monthly basis at various enchanting locations and heritage sites/monuments of India.
Astro Night Sky Tourism has swiftly emerged as a beloved monthly affair among the residents of Delhi, captivating the hearts of both astronomy enthusiasts and the general public. The night of June 3rd and 4th witnessed a remarkable gathering of approximately 2500+ people, brimming with anticipation to explore the celestial wonders up-close. The event ignited an equal level of enthusiasm among the dedicated educators and supportive staff members who were present, eagerly assisting visitors with their telescopic observations.
From engaging activities like crafting Solar System models to creating captivating Comets, students and other attendees embarked on a journey of discovery. Moreover, the exploration of the various components comprising a comet left the audience spellbound, as they unveiled the enigmatic secrets concealed within the vast expanse of our galaxy. The event showcased a remarkable fusion of cutting-edge equipment and advanced technology, where knowledgeable educators imparted a profound understanding of modern advancements in Astronomy and sky observation. In an enlightening activity focused on the weight of objects on different planets, attendees gained a profound understanding of the respective gravity exerted by different planets and the moon. This engaging exercise provided students with a valuable opportunity to grasp the concept of gravity, and comprehending the intrinsic disparities between mass and weight.
To offer an immersive experience, a diverse range of telescopes, each possessing unique capabilities and magnifications, was deployed, allowing the audience to witness celestial marvels first-hand. Participants were transported to different worlds as they gazed through these telescopes, marveling at the varying splendors of the cosmos. The event was assisted by Space Arcade ( www.spacearcade.in ) as the Astronomy Equipment partner at the event.
The ethereal brilliance of Venus, radiating a mesmerizing aura, captivated the audience and bestowed upon them a visual delight. The fortuitous presence of Venus in its gibbous phase allowed for a remarkable and accessible observation, leaving the onlookers in a state of awe. The naked-eye view of Venus, followed by the telescopic observation, served as an enlightening experience, instilling a deep appreciation for the significance of telescopes in the field of Astronomy. The Moon, our closest celestial companion, graced us with a mesmerizing penumbral eclipse on the enchanting night of June 3rd. The mere thought of witnessing the moon’s majestic craters and strawberry moon stirred such fervent excitement among the people that they eagerly formed a serpentine queue, eagerly awaiting their turn. As the moon began its celestial dance, a collective gasp of awe swept through the crowd, adorning their faces with expressions of pure wonder. Observers also witnessed the vibrant red sphere of common interest—Mars. The frequent mentions of Mars in the news and its status as a focal point for space agencies had fueled a keen interest among people, intensifying their desire to observe the red planet. The quest to acquaint themselves with Mars & Beehive Cluster, whereas Mars is also considered a potential second home for humanity, was a major driving force behind the palpable enthusiasm radiating from the attendees.
The children of all age group were mesmerized to see Mars with beehive cluster. Space Educators favorite stakeholder group of school students also graced the event where 20 Students of Captain Rati Ram Memorial Public School, Manesar came specially to attend the event from Haryana with their School faculty. Every student learnt about the beauty of Astronomy through hands-on experiences via handling of Telescope, Binoculars and Science activities.
Space provides 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. Our mission to inspire and impart scientific temperament at grassroots level will help Space exploration become easier as it will hold a strong foundation in students upbringing and career development to innovate and explore. Space group aspires to organize similar outreach events, aiming to ignite a passion for science and astronomy among the general populace. Meanwhile Audience learnt about our School programs, Outreach events and many enquired about Astronomical equipment’s and Telescopes that were on display at the mesmerizing Astro Night Sky Tourism Event.
SPACE group wishes to keep doing such outreach events for the science and astronomy community to grow.