Events

The Antariksh Club of Vishwakarma Institutes hosted a public star party on April 6, 2024, near Velhe, Pune. Stargazers observed celestial objects, including Jupiter, the Orion Nebula, and the Sombrero Galaxy, using telescopes of various sizes. Guided by amateur astronomers Mr. Jameer and Mr. Pranav, participants learned constellation mapping and debunked astronomy vs. astrology myths. Educational sessions explored star alignment, constellation myths, and astronomical principles, enriching attendees' understanding of the universe. Despite cloudy skies, stargazing, astrophotography, and observing the golden crescent moon at dawn captivated all, fueling interest in astronomy and encouraging a scientific outlook.

On February 23, 2024, Antariksh Club organized an educational visit to the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Khodad. The visit, attended by 35 participants, provided an in-depth look at radio astronomy through guided tours and technical sessions led by GMRT engineers. Participants explored the GMRT antenna array, control rooms, and learned about the advanced technology used in radio signal reception and processing. Insightful talks on GMRT’s history and impact on low-frequency radio astronomy were delivered by mentor Jameer Manur. The event offered a blend of learning, hands-on experience, and networking, sparking enthusiasm for future astronomy-related activities.

The Antariksh - Astronomy Club organized an insightful Astrophotography Workshop on November 4, 2023, led by Mr. Jameer Manur, founder of the club and Senior Research Staff at IUCAA. The workshop featured three sessions: an introduction to astronomy, astrophotography fundamentals, and a hands-on experience using astrophotography equipment and software like DeepSkyStacker and Adobe Lightroom. Participants learned about celestial object visibility, camera settings (ISO, shutter speed, aperture), and the use of telescopes and CCD cameras. The event inspired a passion for astrophotography, with practical guidance and knowledge sharing.

The Antariksh Club hosted a guest lecture on October 5, 2023, by Prof. Dhruba Saikia, who discussed the "Role of Technology in a Multi-Messenger View of our Universe." The talk explored ancient astronomy, the scientific method, and the use of various technologies in modern astronomy, including telescopes across the electromagnetic spectrum, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Square Kilometer Array. Prof. Saikia highlighted the limitations of human vision and the challenges of X-ray telescopes. The event deepened participants' understanding of the technological advancements driving astronomical discoveries.

On September 14, 2023, Jameer Manur, founder of Antariksh Club, delivered an insightful talk on "Observational Astronomy: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow" at VIIT, Pune. He covered topics from the role of observational and theoretical astronomy to key celestial bodies, historical figures like Galileo and Newton, and advancements in astronomy detectors. He also discussed the future of astronomy, with technologies like the Thirty Meter Telescope and Devasthal Observatory. The talk ignited curiosity and inspired future astronomers by emphasizing both the past achievements and the future potential of astronomy.