Lecture by: Dr. Helen Mason
The Antariksh Astronomy Club at Vishwakarma Institutes hosted an inspiring event titled "Reaching to the Sun" on February 24th, 2023. This engaging lecture featured Dr. Helen Mason, a renowned solar scientist from the University of Cambridge. With her extensive background collaborating with major space agencies, including NASA, ESA, ISRO, and the Japanese Space Agency, Dr. Mason brought an exceptional depth of knowledge and expertise to the discussion. Currently serving as the Head of the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at Cambridge, Dr. Mason's focus on solar physics, particularly in analyzing ultraviolet and X-ray spectra from the solar atmosphere, made her an ideal choice for this guest lecture.
Event Highlights
The event aimed to spark interest and provide deep insights into the field of solar astronomy, attracting space enthusiasts from various engineering and science colleges across Pune. Dr. Mason’s presentation encompassed a range of topics on solar phenomena, including the structure and dynamics of the sun, the behavior of sunspots, solar active regions, solar flares, and the influence of the solar wind. She also discussed the sun's profound effects on Earth’s environment, adding a practical dimension to the scientific exploration of solar physics.
Dr. Mason was joined by two notable attendees: Dr. Megha Anand, a postdoctoral researcher at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), and Mr. Jameer Manur, a mentor to the Antariksh club and Senior Research Scientist at IUCAA.
Participation and Support
The lecture drew a large audience, with attendees including dignitaries from Vishwakarma Institutes, such as Prof. Dr. Shripad Bhatlawande and Prof. Dr. Shital Raut, alongside over 40 faculty members and students. More than 120 students from various colleges had the chance to participate in this event. The Antariksh club's core team, comprising ten dedicated volunteers, ensured the smooth organization of the lecture, assisted by two members from VClick, the campus photography club, who captured the session’s highlights.
Engagement and Interaction
Following Dr. Mason's insightful presentation, a question-and-answer session allowed students and faculty members to engage directly with her. This interactive segment gave the audience the opportunity to delve deeper into the topics presented, clarify doubts, and gain further understanding from Dr. Mason’s responses. The discussions were lively and thoughtful, reflecting the curiosity and enthusiasm of the attendees.
Event Success
Thanks to the meticulous planning of the organizers and the enthusiastic participation of the audience, "Reaching to the Sun" was a resounding success. The event not only broadened the participants' understanding of solar physics but also strengthened their appreciation for ongoing research and exploration in astronomy. As a testament to Antariksh's commitment to fostering scientific curiosity, this lecture laid the groundwork for more inspiring events in the future.
