A group of 25 faculty members from various colleges under the University of Kerala visited the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) on 10 January 2025 as part of an academic

exposure and interaction programme.

The visit began with an engaging interaction session with Prof. Dipankar Banerjee, Vice Chancellor of IIST, where discussions focused on space science education, research opportunities, and academic collaboration. This was followed by a sunspot observation session using a telescope, giving the visiting faculties a firsthand experience of solar observation techniques.

The group then visited the IIST Library, gaining insight into the institute’s academic resources and research environment. The visit continued at the Aerospace Block, where the faculty members observed two decommissioned jet engines, offering a closer look at aerospace engineering concepts and real-world hardware.

The programme concluded with a walk to the Observatory at the Science Block, followed by a visit to the Space and Arts Museum, where science, creativity, and outreach came together to provide a unique perspective on space exploration and communication.

The visit provided a valuable opportunity for academic exchange and left the participants with a deeper appreciation of IIST’s role in education, research, and public engagement in space science.