Around the World in 80 Telescopes

"Around the World in 80 Telescopes" is a unique live 24-hour webcast, following night and day around the globe to some of the most advanced observatories both on and off the planet.

We have arranged live viewing of this webcast at 'Ellisbridge Gymkhana Club', Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad. The session will begin at 2:30 pm and will be screened at conference hall.
We would like to thank 'Ellisbridge Gymkhana Club' for providing conference hall and Reliance World for the broadcast Live via Internet, powered by wireless 'RelianceBroad BandPlusDATA CARD'!
It would take you to observatories situated at Hawaii, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Europe, USA, India, etc on planet earth and even to Hubble Space Telescope above earth!
For most of us, it would be lifetime experience. Don't Miss, it is open to all!!
Tanmaye Vyas.
+91 9327019254
+91 9979861071

Prog : 48,26-03-2009, Tees Ka Dam, Sadar Bazar, Cantonment, Ahmedabad


She is an Astronomer!

Eagerly awaiting for turn.








Hello!

Here’s a report on the 48th TAS Program.

Today we visited the group called “Tees Ka Dam” at Sadar Bazar, Shahibaug, Ahmedabad.

As usual, we were accorded a warm welcome by the students and the authorities excitedly awaiting the program. Street children are taught free by Aproch NGO run by Kiran Sethi, one of the leading philanthropists. Ninaben who takes care of this group along with other teachers were present.

The poster display was set up for the students to explore the mysteries of the solar system at their own pace. And we watched them peruse the information and discuss the same with their friends.

The program started with the interactive session, as now a day Venus is not visible and approaching new moon day, moon was also not visible. So we had to wait to locate Saturn in the dark. They were particularly fascinated to see slides of Sun & aurora. 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! Questions like – who was the first to go to moon or how hot the sun’s surface is?’ created some interesting debates. Some exceptionally bright students answered my questions with amazing clarity and were awarded prizes at the end of the presentation. Both, the teachers and students, were especially keen to have us come again to give them a deeper understanding. After the interactive session, the Saturn really amazed them all. During the observation even residents from nearby joined with curiosity.

We acknowledge the gracious support of the following people in making this program a success: Ninaben of Aproch NGO and their teachers’ team, Stephen Samuel to take over later session as I had some coughing, Ravi Gamit for set up and Rajesh Nath for fantastic photo documentation. We thank them all for their interest.

Summary:
1. Venue : Tees Ka Dam – NGO, Sadar bazaar, Shahibaug cantonment, Ahmedabad
2. Date : 26-03-2009
3. Time : 6:20 to 8:00 pm
4. Object observed : Saturn
5. Participants : 76
6. Volunteers : 0
7. Photo : Rajesh Nath
8. Resource Persons : 3

Tanmaye Vyas
+91 9327019254
+91 9979861071

100 Hours of Astronomy

Dear All,

We would like to anounce that we are going to celebrate, one of the most awaited corner stone project of IYA2009 "100 Hours of Astronomy". This event will take place from 2nd to 5th April, 2009. We have arranged Saturn observation through telescope from different Heritage properties of the city. This event is open to all!


Highlights and Directions:
100 posters in English and Gujarati language will be displayed for 24 hours
100 minutes of observation (minimum)
100 visitors at least will enjoy Saturn observation
100 lapels with logo of "100 Hours of Astronomy" will be distributed to first 100 visitors
Chance to get photographed with Yuri Gagarin (surprise)!!!

You can paste following link in your address bar to get direction to venues
http://in.maps.yahoo.com/#?lat=23.0236382&lon=72.5863481&z=2

2nd April - Mangaldas ni Haveli, Lakha Patel ni chal, Khadia &
4th April - Jagdeep Mehta ni haveli, 1871 Moto Suthar Wado, Khadia are located near Desai road which you can find at just above right lower corner in the map.
5th April - Agashiye Restaurant, House of MG, Opp Sidi Saiyad Mosque is located, on upper left corner as House of Mangaldas Girdhardas in the map.

All are invited to join this global celebration!

Tanmaye Vyas
+91 9327019254
+91 9979861071

Prog : 47, 20-03-2009, Gandhi Ashram, Sabarmati, Ahmedabad


Gandhiji with Charkha.

With Jayeshbhai for further programs


A sweet Thank You card from sweet girl!

And the winner is...

Deeper understanding of Solar system!




With Jagatbhai during traditional welcome.



Hridaykunj Ashram!
Hello!

Here’s a report on the 47th TAS Program.

Today we visited one of the most important historic places of India “The Gandhi Ashram” at Sabarmati, Ahmedabad .

As usual, we were accorded a warm welcome by the students and the authorities excitedly awaiting the program. The program today was to show only slides of solar system through multi media. There were two types of participants today, one from the Ashram school, where up to 7th standard students from nearby slum area studies and other were all those who earn from boot- polishing on the streets. But along with these, many old ladies joined the program since, today was the day for them to get Free Grocery from Ashram.

The poster display was set up for the students to explore the mysteries of the solar system at their own pace. And we watched them peruse the information and discuss the same with their friends.

The program started with the interactive session of the solar system slides. Nearly all the slides fascinated them all. 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! Questions like – who was the first to go to the moon, how many planets are there in our solar system, now?’ created some interesting debates. Some exceptionally bright students answered my questions with amazing clarity and were awarded prizes at the end of the presentation. Both, the teachers and students, were especially keen to have us come again to give them a deeper understanding.

We acknowledge the gracious support of the following people in making this program a success: Mr. Jagat for coordinating, Rajesh Nath for photo documentation, Jigar Darji & Ravi Gamit for set up. We thank them all for their interest.

Summary:
1. Venue : Gandhi Ashram, Sabarmati, Ahmedabad
2. Date : 20-03-2009
3. Time : 4:15 to 5:30 pm
4. Object observed : -
5. Participants : 152
6. Volunteers : 0
7. Photo : Rajesh Nath
8. Resource Persons : 3
9. Winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd) : Manthan, Girish, Reshma

Tanmaye Vyas
+91 9327019254
+91 9979861071

Prog : 46, 17-03-2009, Observation Home, Khanpur, Ahmedabad











Hello!

Here’s a report on the 46th TAS Program.

Today we visited the Observation Home at Khanpur, Ahmedabad.

We thought of explaining the subject to those children who have either committed some crime or were bagging at cross roads and no one to take care of them. This is run by Ahmedabad District Juvenile Protection Center Authority.

As usual, we were accorded a warm welcome by the children and superintendent.

The poster display was set up for the students to explore the mysteries of the solar system at their own pace. And we watched them peruse the information and discuss the same with their friends.

The program started with Venus observation. They were particularly amazed to see vanishing crescent phase. During the interactive session that followed, all the slides of solar system fascinated them all. Since very few of them were literate, we had to explain with very common terms. Questions were asked with fear in mind that no one will answer, but they remembered good amount of data. And we happily awarded prizes at the end of the presentation. We tried to motivate them to leave all bad habits and instead divert their energy in study.

We acknowledge the gracious support of the following people in making this program a success: Atul Karwal - DCP Traffic who helped me contacting authority, Mr Tiwari (Superintendent – Observation Room for kind support, Jigar Darji & Stephen Samuel for nice set up & Rajesh Nath joined on my request for photo documentation by stealing time from busy schedule. We thank them all for their interest.

Summary:
1. Venue : Observation Room, Khanpur, Ahmedabad
2. Date : 17-03-2009
3. Time : 7:00 to 8:00 pm
4. Object observed : Venus
5. Participants : 57
6. Volunteers : 0
7. Photo : Jigar Darji & Rajesh Nath
8. Resource Persons : 3

Prog : 45, 13-03-2009, Municipal School -2, SRP Krishnanagar, Ahmedabad


The Class Corner Project!



Parents waiting for winner's announcement






Hello!

Here’s a report on the 45th TAS Municipal School Program. Our last program at Municipal Schools in this academic year due to final exams which begin in the month of April.

Today we visited the Municipal School no. 2 at SRP (State Reserve Police) ground, Krishnanagar, Ahmedabad. Though school is in the SRP campus, the students attending are from the nearby slum areas. This program was actually scheduled on 6th Feb but, due to sports day at school it was rescheduled for today.

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

The poster display was set up for the students to explore the mysteries of the solar system at their own pace. And we watched them peruse the information and discuss the same with their friends.

The program started with a multi-media session instead of observation, as the sky was full of clouds. During the interactive session, nearly all the solar system slides fascinated them as they had never before seen such beautiful pictures of our neighboring planets. 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! Especially Bharatbhai, the only male teacher in the school. Questions like – what are sunspots, who was the first to go to moon, etc’ created some interesting debates. Some exceptionally bright students answered my questions with amazing clarity and were awarded prizes at the end of the presentation. Both, the teachers and students, were especially keen to have us come again to give them a deeper understanding. After the presentation, we once again tried to look for an interesting celestial body to show the children thru the telescope, but were unsuccessful due to thick clouds.

At the end of the program, our entire team was thanked with poignant gifts. A first and very unique experience for us. Then Bharatbhai, the teacher shared with us an amazing initiative at the school – the “Shri Ram-Hat” (a small, self-help stationary store corner) a place in a class room corner where, all the stationary is kept in open pigeon holes with prices marked over each product. A student who may need stationary from the stock puts money in small open piggy bank on the table with all due honesty and buys pencil or rubber or sharpener. At the end of the day that money is collected and at the end of the month the same money is used again to buy new stationary. Profits are used for buying some useful things/treats for the students. The lesson of honesty and trust wrought by this visionary teacher is truly priceless, innovative as well as extremely successful!

As we walked out after having tea, we saw a patch open up in the sky. Since all the teachers were interested in understanding the mysteries of the star configurations in the sky, they were shown Orion, Canis major and Auriga constellations. Today’s session, more than any other, gave us a great feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment!

We acknowledge the gracious support of the following people in making this program a success: Bharatbhai (teacher), Jigar Darji & Stephen Samuel for nice and quick set up and Rajesh Nath for photo documentation. We thank them all for their interest.

Summary:
1. Venue : Muni school No – 2, SRP Krishnanagar, Ahmedabad
2. Date : 13-03-2009
3. Time : 6:30 to 8:00 pm
4. Object observed : Cloudy
5. Participants : 57
6. Volunteers : 0
7. Photo : Rajesh Nath
8. Resource Persons : 3
9. Winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd) : Heena Gohel, Sangita Japadiya, Naved Mughal

Prog :44, 08-03-2009, Akshar Purshottam Swaminarayan Temple, Shahibaug, Ahmedabad




Hello!

Here’s a report on the 44th TAS Program.

Today we visited the Akshar Purshottam Swaminarayan Temple, Shahibaug, Ahmedabad.

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


The program started with the interactive session. The slides of solar system bodies and phenomena visible from the Earth fascinated them all. Another wonderful thing that gave us tremendous satisfaction is that nearly all age group students got into the spirit of things and participated wholeheartedly in the question – answer during the session! The teachers, students and Swamis were especially keen to have us come again to give them a deeper understanding and viewing through telescope.

My brother in law Shwetang Vyas coordinated well during the program and documented the session through photographs.

Summary:
1. Venue : Akshar Purshottam Swaminarayan Temple, Shahibaug, Ahmedabad
2. Date : 08-03-2009
3. Time : 6:10 to 7:10 pm
4. Object observed : -
5. Participants : 250
6. Volunteers : 1
7. Photo : Shwetang Vyas
8. Resource Persons : 0
9. Winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd) : Gave Moon pictures to all.

Tanmaye Vyas
+91 9327019254
+91 9979861071

Prog : 43, 06-03-2009, Municipal School No-6, Bapunagar, Ahmedabad











Hello!

Here’s a report on the 43rd TAS Municipal School Program.

Today we visited the municipal school no. 6 at Bapunagar, Ahmedabad.

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

The poster display was set up for the students to explore the mysteries of the solar system at their own pace. And we watched them peruse the information and discuss the same with their friends.

The program started with the interactive session. They were fascinated by all slides of solar system but especially Aurora & Space Shuttle slides. 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! Questions like – how hot the sun is, who was the first to go to the moon, etc’ created some interesting debates. Some exceptionally bright students answered my questions with amazing clarity and were awarded prizes at the end of the presentation. After the slide show, all were shown the gibbous Moon through the telescope. They were particularly amazed to see the craters. And when they knew that that small bubble size holes are no smaller than 50 kms, they were spellbound. Both, the teachers and students, were especially keen to have us come again to give them a deeper understanding.

The area school cluster head along with Municipal school board members visited the place and were glad too.

We acknowledge the gracious support of the following people in making this program a success: The principal who was very enthusiastic, Jigar Darji & Ravi Gamit for nice set up and Urvi Vyas for photo documentation. We thank them all for their interest.

Summary:
1. Venue : Muni school Hindi No – 6, Bapunagar, Ahmedabad
2. Date : 06-03-2009
3. Time : 6:10 to 8:00 pm
4. Object observed : Moon
5. Participants : 112
6. Volunteers : 1
7. Photo : Urvi Vyas
8. Resource Persons : 2
9. Winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd) : Mohammed Sheikh, Yashraj Patel, Priyanka Chauhan.

P.S. : From school we went to Vintage car farm to see cars and have dinner. Since the farm was on the eastern outskirt of the city, the Saturn in Leo was clearly visible. Suddenly, we thought of showing Saturn to all, through the telescope. We were nearly 17 of us in a group, but then the restaurant staff, cooks, servants and other security men (nearly 35 of them) also came & enjoyed the beautiful Saturn with closed rings.

Tanmaye Vyas
+91 9327019254
+91 9979861071