Special Sky Observation Program held at Pilikula
Mangaluru: In response to public demand, the Pilikula Regional Science Center hosted a ‘Special Sky Observation’ program on January 23, commencing at 6:30 PM. This event was designed for individuals eager to witness the recent planetary alignment and was organized for the second time, reflecting the growing interest in astronomical phenomena among the community.
The evening began with an informative session where participants were introduced to various celestial bodies visible through telescopes. The program was tailored to engage viewers by providing insights into the facilities available for observing such celestial events, particularly in light of the current astronomical context. Following the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to observe Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, along with its four prominent moons: Io, Europa, Callisto, and Ganymede. Enthusiastic viewers also learned about Saturn and its iconic rings, the bright silvery dot of Venus, and the distinctive red hue of Mars, sharing their experiences and observations with one another.
Many participants took to social media to share their observations of Uranus, Neptune, and the phenomenon of planetary alignment. It was clarified during the event that while Uranus and Neptune are indeed observable, their great distance necessitates the use of powerful telescopes. Furthermore, attendees were informed that the current phenomenon represents a planetary alignment rather than a direct linear alignment of the planets.
The success of the program was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the center’s staff, including curator Jagannath, scientific officer Vighnesh Bhatt, educational assistant Rashmi, and mentors Hrithik, Adarsh, Ambika, Sahana, along with technical staff members Yateesh, Tukaram, Virupakshaiah, Manjunath, Kishore Kumar, Gayathri, Sharath, Vandana, and Victor, all of whom provided invaluable assistance to the public throughout the observation experience.
The event not only fostered a deeper understanding of astronomy among participants but also reinforced the Pilikula Regional Science Center’s commitment to promoting scientific awareness and engagement within the community.