Media Release 

Mangaluru, Jan 31: CFAL Astro Club is conducting the annual Astro Night event, a citizen science and public outreach program designed to bring the wonders of the universe closer to home. This event, suitable for all ages, isscheduled to take place on February 2 at the CFAL campus, Akashbhavan from 6:30 pm to 10 pm. 

The event promises an evening filled with exploration, discovery, and the beauty of the night sky. 

Event highlights 

The evening will kick off with an engaging talk by the renowned astrophysicist, Dr Prajval Shastri. Dr Shastri is an astrophysicist, formerly at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru and specializes in the area of phenomenology of active galaxies driven by supermassive blackholes using multi-wavelength observations ranging from radio to X-ray wavelengths. The different informative talks aim to spark curiosity and bring complex cosmic concepts into clearer view for everyone. 

Hands-on activities: Participants will be part of an enchanting evening of amateur astrophotography and stargazing. They can witness the beauty of the craters on the crescent moon, the brilliance of Jupiter and Saturn, and the awe-inspiring Orion Nebula. Designed for "scientists of all ages," these activities are perfect for anyone with a passion for learning and exploration. 

Telescope viewing: The highlight of Astro night is the telescope viewing session and weather permitting. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to gaze at the stars through a variety of telescopes, including: 

• A manual one with 16" telescopic mirrors for those who love the hands-on approach.
• State-of-the-art automatic Dobsonian telescopes, offering a user-friendly experience without compromising on the quality of the view.
• Other advanced automatic telescopes, providing a diverse range of celestial viewing experiences. 

CFAL has invited the stargazers to be a part of this extraordinary evening under the stars, and be a part of a community celebrating the vastness and beauty of nature. This is more than just an event; it is an opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired, CFAL has quoted in a communique. 

As part of CFAL’s Nature Perspectives curriculum, the institute is committed to making science (including astronomy) accessible and enjoyable for everyone, from the most curious beginners to seasoned star gazers. Admission is free. All are welcomed to this family-friendly event. 

For more information, please visit the website: https://bit.ly/cfalstarparty25 or contact +91 6360238816.