CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Bhopal: A five-day sky observation and telescope training programme, jointly organised by Regional Science Centre, Bhopal and the Madhya Pradesh Eco Tourism Development Board, concluded successfully. Guides, nature interpreters and tourism personnel associated with various eco-tourism sites, jungle camps and tourism activities across the state participated in the programme. The objective was to familiarise participants with the theoretical and practical aspects of astronomy, sky observation and telescope operation, and to train them so that they can provide visitors and tourists in their respective areas with scientific and engaging information about astronomical events and celestial bodies. The initiative is an important step towards promoting astro-tourism activities in the state.
During the training, participants were given detailed information on the celestial coordinate system, the identification of constellations, planets, stars and other major celestial bodies, as well as the types of telescopes, their structure, working principles, alignment, operation and maintenance. On each day of the programme, direct observation of the Sun and sunspots was conducted with the help of telescopes fitted with safe solar filters. Through various hands-on activities, participants understood astronomical concepts and practically experienced scientific principles by building and testing a sundial, a pinhole eclipse camera and a constellation projector. In addition, they received detailed training in telescope assembly, operation and actual observation.
As part of the programme, Alok Mandavgane, Joint Secretary, Aryabhat Foundation, Bhopal, delivered a special lecture. He provided participants with detailed information on the working of telescopes, the scientific principles behind them, and the identification of planets, stars and nakshatras visible in the sky. He also threw light on the major celestial objects visible at different times of the year, methods for observing them, and the role of telescopes in understanding the universe.
Participants also joined, through the online mode, a special lecture by Sameer Dhurde, Scientific Officer, Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune. He guided them on astronomy outreach, the explanation of celestial bodies and astronomical events, and various aspects of communicating these subjects effectively and in an interesting manner to the general public. During the lecture, participants also interacted with the expert and had their queries addressed.
On the concluding day, participants were awarded training completion certificates. Describing the programme as highly useful, informative and practical, they expressed their commitment to using it effectively in their respective work areas for visitors and tourists.
The training programme stood out as an excellent example of the convergence of astronomy, science communication and tourism. Participants trained through the programme will now be able to provide visitors at their respective eco-tourism sites with scientific information about the Sun, planets, stars, constellations and other astronomical events. This will not only help enrich the tourist experience, but also give a new direction to science-based tourism and astro-tourism activities in the state.
Such initiatives by Regional Science Centre, Bhopal strengthen the objective of popularising science, developing a scientific temper, and taking science to different sections of society in a simple, engaging and experiential form.
In addition, various programmes will be organised for all visitors at the Regional Science Centre on Zero Shadow Day.
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