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MUSHTIFUND HIGH SCHOOL CUJIRA-GOA
Mushtifund High School Astronomy Students and teachers at STAR PARTY ….An initiative by Mushtifund High School’s Astronomy Club
Organized by: Mushtifund High School’s Astronomy Club under the mentorship of Mrs Bonita Rodrigues, Asst Teacher of Mushtifund High School in association with Association of Friends of Astronomy (AFA), Junta House, Panaji
Resource Persons:
Mr. Satish Nayak (President of AFA)
Mr. Gaurav Dhumatker
Mr. Tanay Govekar
Mr. Sumukh Kamat
Venue: Sural Plateau, Sakhali, Surla Village, Goa (Located on the Goa-Karnataka border, approximately 65 km from Panjim)
The Star Party was organized by Mushtifund High School’s Astronomy Club in association with the Association of Friends of Astronomy (AFA) for the astronomy students of Std 10 from Mushtifund High School. Around 52 students and five teachers participated in this exciting event.
The evening began with an informative session where students were briefed about the night sky’s observation. Topics included various constellations, planets such as Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and their moons, the Pole Star, Sirius Star, Canopus Star, Nakshatras, and even some mythological stories related to zodiac signs. Students were encouraged to observe these celestial bodies throughout the night until 4:00 AM.
Key Highlights:
Telescopic Observations:
Telescopes were set up at multiple spots on the plateau, offering closer views of Mars, Jupiter (with its moons), Saturn, the Pleiades (Seven Sisters), and the surface of the Moon. The AFA members provided valuable guidance to help participants gain a deeper understanding of these celestial objects.
Shooting Stars and Meteor Shower:
The night sky also treated the group to clear views of shooting stars, and the Quadrantids meteor shower became visible post-midnight.
Saturn-Moon Conjunction:
A rare and beautiful Saturn-Moon conjunction was clearly visible, enhanced by the dark surroundings of the area.
Student Activity:
The students were encouraged to use the Stellarium app on their mobile phones, a planisphere, and telescopes to locate and identify various constellations and planets. This hands-on activity fostered their learning and engagement with the night sky.
Special Mention:
A special acknowledgment goes to Mast. Laksh Namshikar from IX B, who showcased his homemade telescope, which offered an inverted image of the Moon’s surface. A proud moment for Mushtifund H.S. as Laksh’s initiative demonstrated his enthusiasm and talent.
The students were active participants throughout the event and expressed their enjoyment and excitement about the unique experience.
This event provided an exceptional learning opportunity for the students of Mushtifund High School. Thanks to the entire AFA team for their support and congratulations to all the students for their enthusiastic participation.
INDEBTED TO AFA 🙏🙏🙏🙏