Fancy watching stars and the sky all night?

Khagol Mandal, a group of amateur astronomers, plan to start a study group in Pune

Khagol Mandal, a group of amateur astronomers, plan to start a study group in Pune

Watching the stars is not just their hobby, but also their passion. A group of amateur astronomers from Mumbai will open a study group in Pune and showcase the various fascinating aspects of the solar system.

have a look: A sky observation programme at Shaniwar Peth. pic/anil naik

Khagol Mandal was founded in Sion in 1985. The group will now start its activities in Pune with a night sky-watching workshop that will be held every month. The group recently held an exhibition in the city, showcasing various aspects of the solar system and displaying a variety of telescopes to lure people.

Sarang Oak, who shifted to Pune from Mumbai and was a member of the organisation, missed sky-watching workshops that he used to attend in Mumbai.

Oak said, "We would on a Saturday every month at Vangani Lake in Mumbai to watch the sky through the entire night. But since many of our members are settled in Pune, we've decided to start a similar workshop in Pune."

Khagol Mandal also conducted a lecture by professor Mohan Apte on India's Chandrayan moon mission.
Oak added, "We are planning a trip to Nandurbar in Maharashtra or Benaras for those who want to witness the total solar eclipse on July 22. The details of our activities will be updated on our website www.khagolmandal.com."