Pics: Spoorthy Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (NM/CN)
Mangalore, Nov 12: Pilikula Regional Science Centre funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Karnataka, organized a one-day amateur astronomers’ workshop for high school teachers at St Agnes College on Friday November 11. The purpose of the workshop was to offer indepth knowledge of the subject through practical exposure.
Dr Mary Prem D’Souza, principal, St Agnes College, was the president, Rohith S Rao, owner, Crystal Electronics, was the chief guest of the programme and V S S Shastri, astronomer, Kolar, was the resource person of the day.
In her presidential address, Dr D’Souza said that astronomy is not understood with pictures, but a practical touch is necessary for actual understanding. She assured the teachers that this workshop would make them more knowledgeable with practical exposure which is not available in text books.
Rohith Rao said, “Two eyes are enough for an amateur or observational astronomer. A keen interest or mere hobby for the subject, with simple instruments and scientific temper, is important for an amateur astronomer.”
Shastri, in his lecture, demonstrated how to find the exact north, practical position of the sun, and to understand the rotation of the sun. He also explained about the ‘Jantar Mantar’, use of some astronomical instruments, and many other topics.
Jayanth, lecturer and co-ordinator of the workshop, said that as many as 40 teachers from 27 different schools were present.