Gazing at the starry skies at night was our favourite pastime as kids. There were times when we waited to see a shooting star and then wished for something (which was rare anyways!). But as we grow old, we forget these beautiful memories. The Ministry of Culture and National Science Museum Council had organised ‘Astro Night Tourism’ to refresh our memories and educate us on the astronomical elements. And it took place at different places in India and one of them was in Nagpur!
Astro Night Tourism In Nagpur
The Ministry of Culture and National Science Museum Council were responsible for the Astro Night Tourism initiative in India — and one of them took place in Nagpur! The Raman Vigyan Kendra had organised a sky-viewing programme at Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park. The date of this programme was 1st April 2023 and it commenced at 6:30 pm.
The entry was free so anyone could come and observe the planetary movements of Mars, Venus and the Moon. The event was a hit as more than two thousand students and locals visited the venue for a sky-viewing programme. In addition to the guests, Charudatta Pulliwar, Mahendra Wagh and Abhimanyu Bhelawe were the guides who helped attendees with sky viewing. On behalf of the Central Government, Sumeet Nasre, Tushar Madke, Harish Deshpande, Pushpam Chaurasia, Kalidas Nakade and Pawan Dohale performed the role of sky telescope assistant.
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The programme aimed to increase scientific knowledge about constellations and planets, clear misconceptions about them and increase curiosity about astrology among young minds.
Organisers Of The Programme
Named after the late Marathi leader Balasaheb Thackeray, the Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park features Rescue Centre for Wildlife, Indian Safari with Indian wildlife, African Safari, Interpretation Centre and Night Safari. And recently, it was the venue for Astro Night Tourism in Nagpur.
The Raman Science Centre Nagpur is a branch of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) and works for the Ministry of Culture. In order to popularise science among the students and locals of the Vidarbha region, this institute was established in Nagpur.
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They aim to foster the spirit of scientific enquiry, develop scientific attitudes and temper and creativity among the students.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva & Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park/ Instagram