Prog : 33, 19-02-2009, Satyamev Jayate School, Bopal, Ahmedabad

Presenting the Castor & Pollux of Gemini...

Is it Moon or Venus??!!

Mrs. Hinaa Shah & Shaina Shah wondering between "Moon & Venus"!
Hello!

Here’s a report on the 33rd TAS Program.

Today we visited the school Satyamev Jayate at Bopal, Ahmedabad.

As usual, we were accorded a warm welcome by the students and the authorities excitedly awaiting the program.

The program started with observation of Venus. But before the observation, we announced that we are starting the program with magic. Though you can’t see the moon, I will show that through the telescope. At first no one believed, but as all saw so called “Moon”, they were amazed. Then before the interactive slide show began, we declared that, it was not moon, it was Venus showing phase.

During the interactive session that followed, at nearly every slide they appreciated the depth of slides as well as explanation. After many programs, we delivered today’s program in English. Another wonderful thing that gave us tremendous satisfaction is that the teachers too got into the spirit of things and participated wholeheartedly in the question – answer sessions that interspersed the presentation!

In between the program we also showed them through green laser, all the visible constellations like Gemini, Taurus, Orion, Auriga, Canis major, etc.

Questions like –what are sunspots, when did Rakesh Sharma go to space, why Pluto is not a classical planet now?’ created some interesting debates. Both, the teachers and students, were especially keen to have us come again to give them a deeper understanding. They have promised to start Astronomy club in their school. We suggested to start with monthly bulletin where astro news, astro words and night sky chart should be regular feature.

We acknowledge the gracious support of the following people in making this program a success: Mrs. Hinaa Shah, Shaina Shah, school teachers / staff and Ravi Gamit for handling everything beautifully. Ravi captured nice photographs too. We thank them all for their interest.

Summary :

1. Venue : Satyamev Jayte School, Bopal, Ahmedabad
2. Date : 19-02-2009
3. Time : 6:20 to 8:50 pm
4. Object observed : Venus
5. Participants : 45
6. Volunteers : 0
7. Photo : Ravi Gamit
8. Resource Persons : 1
9. Winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd) : Handy moon picture with information to all.

Tanmaye Vyas
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+91 9979861071