The May 2026 edition of the AASTRO Public Lecture series features a deep dive into the celestial mechanics that govern our closest neighbor. The session will be led by Sumukha R. Bharadwaj , a PhD Scholar from the Department of Earth and Space Sciences at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST).

This talk explores the Moon’s journey across the sky as a masterpiece of precision rather than a series of random movements. Attendees will discover how ancient astronomers meticulously decoded the Moon’s rising, setting, and phase cycles to build the mathematical backbone of traditional lunar calendars. The narrative then shifts from historical timekeeping to the modern era of space travel. By connecting these timeless traditions to contemporary exploration, the lecture provides a special spotlight on the technical triumphs of India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission.

The program takes place on Thursday evening, May 07, 2026, at 5:30 PM . The venue is the Library Hall of the Kerala State Science and Technology Museum located at PMG in Thiruvananthapuram . This presentation offers a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and scholars alike to understand how the rhythms of the past continue to guide our journey into the lunar future.