Sky watching experience with children at Sankeshwar

Hello. Dr. Smruti Hawal’s Supanth Manch and Astromaitri, Sankeshwar had recently organized an overnight sky watching programme for children and elders at Sankeshwar. I and my friend Gireesh were fortunate to participate in it and conduct the sky watching part. Through this, I am sharing my experience. I had known Dr. Smruti Tai as very active and enthusiast person, some one who loves books and learning. She had planned this programme last year also, but due to cloudy conditions, we had to postpone it. This time also, we had worries due to cloudy conditions. Clouds did interrupt and took some joy away. But they were kind also and we could observe some of the main objects! 

Dr. Smruti Tai had chosen a perfect place, their farm house near Sankeshwar. This farmhouse with plenty of flowers, lush green fields, huge old well, peaceful nature and peacocks offered an excellent place with clear view from all directions. Had it been clear, it would have been a most memorable night. But it was not to be. Initially, we had started to think that it was going to be washed out! It did rain also. But the sky was kind and suddenly out of nowhere, we could see the Sun, the star near us. Suddenly, the sky was clear! Through Gireesh’ 8 inch Dobsonian telescope, we could observe the sunspots and orange disk of the Sun. Of course, we used a proper filter. Children could see the tiny black dot- the sunspot, area of faint flares on the surface of the Sun. Though the sunspots look like dots, they are bigger than our earth! Dr. Smruti Tai thanked the Sun and the nature in gratitude!

In the second session, the sky was still clear and we could see some of the main objects. Through 8 inch Dobsonian telescope, 4.5 inch reflector telescope and a binocular, we observed some objects. Also with the help of star pointer, we observed bright stars such as Sirius (व्याध), red giant Betelgeuse (काक्षेय), red giant Aldebaran (रोहिणी), Capella (ब्रह्महृदय), Orion constellation (मृग नक्षत्र), Jupiter (गुरू), Castor and Pollux (पुनर्वसू), Procyon (प्रश्वा), Regulus (मघा), Canopus (अगस्त्य) and also some artificial satellites, thanks to keen observer Ved! Through telescopically, we watched- Venus, Jupiter, its moons and atmospheric band at different magnifications, Orion Nebula, Pleiades cluster (कृत्तिका तारकागुच्छ), Aldebaran (रोहिणी) and binary stars near it, Uranus, Sigma Orionis binary star (near the base of the three stars in Orion constellation). Children also observed many stars in the sky. Gireesh showed them patterns present in the sky and their shapes. He talked about the Hexagon composed of six bright stars from six different constellations. It includes Sirius (Canis Major), Procyon (Canis Minor), Pollux (Gemini), Capella (Auriga), Aldebaran (Taurus), and Rigel (Orion). During the session, children asked plenty of questions and parents also participated enthusiastically.

The post- dinner session was a waiting game and patience! We patiently waited and waited. But clouds just got increased. Only a handful of bright stars remained visible. During this time Dr. Smruti Tai and others kept the children engaged by sharing them experiences of sky watching. She also talked about importance of observing through the naked eyes. When we are lost somewhere and we don’t have any tool to get a direction, stars help us navigate. Ursa Major (सप्तर्षी) and Cassiopeia (शर्मिष्ठा) stars help us find the Polaris (ध्रुव). Observation through naked eyes is also important for one more reason. “Dhruv” himself was present in the session and was listening this! Plenty of objects can be observed through our eyes alone. We first must use our capacity to learn and understand sky. Then we can learn how to observe objects through telescopes. As the clouds are relentless, we decided to take some rest and keep ourself fresh for the dawn session and we hoped to get some relief from the clouds! We were wondering, if the clouds totally go away, what a clear view with stunning objects we could have. 

The dawn session started with the same waiting game. Despite of several veterans in the sky, hardly Vega (अभिजीत) was spotted briefly. We prepared ourself for waiting further. A timely tea at 5 am was a big boost for this! And the enthusiastic children were already awake! But they too had to wait. After eons of time, at around 5.30 am, the Moon popped up out of the gloomy clouds! But alas, it was visible not even for minutes, but just for some seconds. But the sky was changing! And some stars were visible. It included Antares (ज्येष्ठा), Acrab (अनुराधा), Altar (श्रवण), Vega (अभिजीत), bright stars  made ordinary due to the clouds. The children observed the red giant star Antares and binary star Acrab through the telescope.

When all eyes were on the Moon, suddenly it emerged! The children responded with loud cheers! Initially the waning Moon was very dim under the thick layer of clouds. But soon, it was relatively clear and observable! So finally, when last few overs were remaining, the best batter of the night sky arrived! The children and the parents enjoyed watching the moon, its craters and its mare. The nature was kind to give us this window for some time. The children also noted that the Moon appears upside- down from the telescope as they show mirror image.

After plenty of photos with telescopes and friends and also after trying the binoculars for terrestrial views, the session was concluded. Despite of cloudy cover ruining major parts and some of the significant objects such as milky way region and a flurry of clusters, the nature was kind enough to reward the patience of the children with some amazing views of the Moon. 

Dr. Smruti Tai, her team of volunteers, parents and children were active through the night! Timely tea and timely breakfast was given at the odd early morning hours. They looked after the children and helped them understand and observe more. Dr. Smruti Tai also gave astro- cards with unique gifts to the children. The children now have a great chance to observe a rare event in the sky. On the dawn of 30th March, there is one event. From all South India, the Moon will obstruct bright Regulus star at around 1.40 am. For some time, the star will be obstructed by the Moon and it will emerge from behind the Moon at around 2.20 am. This event can be observed with the naked eyes. For this, one needs to be ready at that time and watch the Moon closely. The Moon and Regulus will be in the West direction.

Once again, I thank Dr. Smruti Tai and all the organizing With this, I conclude this article. I wish all the best to the children in their journey towards exploration and learning. We all hope to meet again on some dark night with clear skies! Till then, clear skies and happy learning to all!

Thanks for reading. Articles about trekking, sky watching, scientific experiments, meditation, fitness, cycling etc. are available on my blog. -Niranjan Welankar. 09422108376. Date of writing- 16th March 2026.