“Space isn’t remote at all. It’s only an hour’s drive away if your car could go straight upwards.” – Sir Fred Hoyle, Astronomer. As per the sayings, we the astronomy club students of CPSGS Thirumazhisai, would certainly say that gazing stars are really dreams which are answered.
On Friday, the 21st of February, we had an overnight session to focus on constellations and the very next day, the planets likely Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. The session started with an orientation to understand the concept of zenith, meridian, horizon, handy measurements, zodiacal constellations, ecliptic, celestial sphere and coordinate systems.
Of course, one may think it might be a boredom to learn endlessly but, this session was astounding, having organised with a flaming campfire and a splendid symphony. The whole night of a learning session, capturing pictures of Orion constellation especially with our friends, was a rare treasure.
We also learnt how to observe planets using a planisphere and it was our firsthand experience to click astrophotographs. The breathtaking moment during this session was the view of Saturn in the dawn of the sky; it was a visual treat for all of us. Soon the sun faded the planets and it was the time to say goodbye. Awaiting the next session to gaze more planets…
Tarakeshwar and Schwetha CAIE 7
