TSFDC successfully organized Stargazing event at Forest Trek Park in Manchirevula, Chilkur RF
Stargazing Camp @ Forest Trek Park, Hyderabad by Telangana Forest Development Corporation in collaboration with HATS (Hyderabad Adventure & Trekkers Club) On Sunday evening began as a group of 40 stargazing enthusiasts gathered at our designated spot in the serene Forest Trek Park, Manchirevula of Chilkur RF by 5 PM, setting the stage for an unforgettable astronomical experience.
Nestled between gentle hillocks, the location offered the perfect refuge from city lights, ensuring an ideal environment for beginners to explore the wonders of the night sky, free from the intrusion of light pollution.
With telescopes at the ready, the adventure kicked off as we turned our gaze toward the planets. Three powerful telescopes took center stage, each offering a unique perspective on our celestial neighbors:
The Seastar Smart Telescope: It is a marvel of technology, effortlessly tracked and captured stunning images of planets and nebulae, leaving everyone in awe.
The 8-inch Dobsonian telescope, with its simple yet powerful design, provided breathtaking views of Jupiter’s banded atmosphere and Saturn’s iconic, shimmering rings.
The 130 Celestron Astromaster revealed the intricate details of Jupiter’s four Galilean moons, each orbiting in perfect harmony around the gas giant.
On Sunday was half way between the new moon and the full moon. This gives us an opportunity to observe both the moon and stars at the same time. We delved into the constellations, examining the locations of planets within their stellar neighborhoods and unraveling their complex movements.
The discussion turned to observing Stars/ Objects: Aldebaran, Betelgeuse, Sirius, Capella, Castor, Pollux, Procyon, Spica, Arcturus, Alcor / Mizar. Observed constellations: Orion, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Great Bear (Ursa Major), Clusters: Butterfly Cluster
The night culminated in a lively Q&A session where we shared insights, answered burning questions, and helped everyone gain a deeper understanding of the cosmos. It wasn’t just about looking at the stars—it was about connecting with them, exploring their stories, and seeing the universe through a new, awe-inspiring lens.
TGFDC Executive Director, Eco-Tourism L. Ranjeet Naik said that “significance of observing the night sky in the midst of nature—how the stillness of the forest, the rustling of leaves, and the gentle breeze combine to heighten our awareness of the universe.
He also pointed out that stargazing, much like forest conservation, encourages mindfulness and respect for the environment, it’s an ancient tradition of looking up at the stars, which has been a part of India’s rich cultural heritage for millennia.
From the Vedic texts to the great temples aligned with celestial bodies, our ancestors understood the intimate relationship between the stars, the Earth, and the rhythms of nature”.
