It is not everyday that you find the time to look up at the sky and take in the beauty of the spectacle that is the sky, and even if you do, the final view is usually anticlimactic. All your eyes are met with are clouds of dust and smoke that make it close to impossible to spot even a single star. The month of December is said to have the most suitable for stargazing and we have just the event for frustrated astronomy enthusiasts looking to spend a night under a blanket of stars.
Space Geeks, a group of young researchers in Mumbai, are here with an exciting event in collaboration with the online event registering and ticketing platform Town Script that ensures that space enthusiasts in Mumbai do not end their year in vain. In order to witness the Geminid meteor shower at its peak on the nights of December 13 and 14, the organisations are holding an overnight stargazing session in the outskirts of Panvel in Navi Mumbai. This year’s event also gives you the chance to observe Comet 46P/Wirtanen, which is predicted to pass the Earth at a very close distance few days later on December 16, 2018.
The session will begin with an introduction along with a short presentation about astronomy and will ultimately move on to the observation site for participants to witness the meteor show and the comet. In addition to these, one also gets a chance to take a close look at Mars, the moon and its craters, star clusters, nebulae and the Andromeda through the telescopes. The session will end with a viewing of the planet Venus at the break of dawn.
Experts will be present at all times, interacting with those attending the session and answering all their questions and doubts. The Space Geeks have actively been conducting such sessions and public talks by eminent space scientists in the past with the hope of spreading their love for astronomy and space sciences across the city.
Event Details:
Price: INR 1400/- per person (includes transportation, food, venue and other miscellaneous fees)
Timings: 7pm to 6am
Venue: Vinoba Bhave Sarvoday Nisarg Upchar Kendra, Umroli, Panvel
Meeting Points:
I. Bank of India ATM at Panvel Railway station at 6:15 pm on Thursday, 13th December,2018 (Suitable for those travelling by train).
II. Sarovar Restaurant near Panvel ST Bus Depot at 6:15 pm on Thursday, 13th December, 2018 (Suitable for those travelling by road).
The organisers are offering a 10% discount for past attendees and groups with three or more members
Click here for further details and to book yourself a spot.
Feature Image Courtesy: American Meteor Society
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