Siliguri :
The Sky Watchers’ Association of North Bengal (SWAN) will hold a three-day astronomy exhibition and a Live Lunar show here from October 31.
“This year, we are hosting our annual exhibition in association with the state department of information and cultural affairs. Lot of activities involving school students and youths would be organised at the Ramkinkar Exhibition hall in Dinabandhu Mancha during the three-day exhibition which will commence at 11am and conclude at 8pm everyday,” Debasis Sarkar, the SWAN secretary, said at a news conference here today.
Astronomical equipment like telescopes and imager and images of the space, planets and stars would be displayed at the exhibition. A video show on celestial events like eclipses and transit of Venus and an on-screen presentation on Mangalyaan would also be organised.
“We will also organise a quiz contest for students on astronomy and space science, discussion on science and astrophotography. We are expecting footfall of a considerable number of students, youths and senior citizens from Siliguri and the surrounding areas who are interested in learning more about astronomy. It is an open-to-all exhibition and the entry is free. We will distribute software and study material among enthusiasts,” Sarkar said. “As far as we know, it is the only integrated exhibition on astronomy in eastern India.”
By an integrated exhibition Sarkar meant a display of pictures, videos, equipment and holding of competition and discussions.
On the evening of November 2, the final day of the event, a live moon viewing through telescope would be organised on Siliguri Boys’ High School ground (next to Dinabandhu Mancha). “The basic idea is to popularise astronomy and inculcate interest in the subject and allied sciences in the common people and students. We appreciate SWAN’s initiative and we feel good to be associated with the event,” said Miten Chhetri, the subdivisional information and cultural officer of Siliguri, who was present at the news conference.
source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph, Calcutta / Front Page> Story> North Bengal / by The Telegraph, Correspondent / Thursday – October 30th, 2014