Celestials, the Astronomy Club of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), is a vibrant platform for students united by their curiosity about the universe. The club brings together enthusiasts to explore the cosmos through a blend of academic engagement and hands-on experiences. Regular telescope observation sessions are organized on campus, allowing students to peer into the depths of the night sky, observing planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. These sessions not only inspire wonder but also cultivate practical skills in observational astronomy. The club fosters learning through frequent lecture sessions led by faculty and experts in the field. These...
Celestials, the Astronomy Club of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), is a vibrant platform for students united by their curiosity about the universe. The club brings together enthusiasts to explore the cosmos through a blend of academic engagement and hands-on experiences. Regular telescope observation sessions are organized on campus, allowing students to peer into the depths of the night sky, observing planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. These sessions not only inspire wonder but also cultivate practical skills in observational astronomy. The club fosters learning through frequent lecture sessions led by faculty and experts in the field. These talks cover a wide range of topics—from the life cycle of stars to the mysteries of dark matter—helping students broaden their academic horizons. In addition, Celestials participates in asteroid search campaigns, giving students the opportunity to contribute to real scientific research through citizen science.
Every alternate Saturday, Celestials hosts documentary screenings at the Open Amphitheatre (OAT), where students gather to watch and discuss visual explorations of the universe. These sessions offer a relaxed yet intellectually stimulating atmosphere to learn and connect over shared interests. Through its thoughtfully curated events and collaborative spirit, Celestials stands as a hub of astronomical discovery at IIST, igniting curiosity and nurturing a lifelong passion for space science.
Every alternate Saturday, Celestials hosts documentary screenings at the Open Amphitheatre (OAT), where students gather to watch and discuss visual explorations of the universe. These sessions offer a relaxed yet intellectually stimulating atmosphere to learn and connect over shared interests. Through its thoughtfully curated events and collaborative spirit, Celestials stands as a hub of astronomical discovery at IIST, igniting curiosity and nurturing a lifelong passion for space science.
Contact Details
Faculty Coordinator
- Dr. Anand Narayanan Professor and Head, Department of Earth and Space Sciences, IIST Email: [email protected] , [email protected]
Student Coordinators
- Sourya Ranjan Das (President) Email: [email protected], [email protected]
- Manab Saha (VP, Socials and Creatives) Email: [email protected]
- Basavaraj Manurakar (VP, Astrophotography) Email: [email protected]
- Ayanavolu Shanmukha Sai Kedhar (VP, Media) Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Activities
- Lecture Sessions on various aspects of astronomy and popular science.
- Stargazing Nights featuring guided telescope viewing of planets, nebulae, and galaxies.
- Workshops on telescope usage, sunspot observation using spectrographs, and solar viewing with safe filters.
- Conscientia Participation: The club actively organizes astronomy-based events, exhibits and demonstrations during IIST's annual tech fest.
Celestials works in collaboration with NIRMAAN, IIST’s social outreach club, to bring astronomy to schools and communities beyond campus. Despite a compact volunteer team, the club consistently delivers impactful programs:
- 29 Feb 2024 – Sky observation for 7th graders during the District Science Camp (RAA) at ACSTI, Manvila.
- 14 Mar 2024 – Solar observation at Nedumangad Govt College’s science exhibition.
- 29 Mar 2024 – Astronomy workshop at VSSC Central School as part of Dhanak 2024. Topics included exoplanet detection, spectroscopy, EM spectrum, and solar activity monitoring.
- 18 Apr 2024 – Night sky watch at Christu Jyothi School, Nedumangad, engaging 90 students.
- 14 Sep 2024 – National Space Day telescope session for 70 students from DPS Haridwar using the 14-inch reflector.
- 16 Sep 2024 – Observatory tour for VSSC Central School students.
- 20 Nov 2024 – Telescope demo for 70 students of KV Akkulam.
- 29 Dec 2024 – Universe in the Park at Napier Museum, public skywatching featuring Jupiter and its moons.
- 30 Dec 2024 – Skywatching at Dr. Ambedkar Vidya Niketan, for tribal school students in Palode.
- 25 Jan 2025 – Planet Parade at Technopark, attended by 1000+ visitors, organized in collaboration with the Breakthrough Science Society.
Through these endeavours, Celestials continues to ignite a love for astronomy across diverse age groups and communities, building a strong bridge between academic learning and cosmic exploration.