Khagol Bulletin # 136 (Apr 2025) - ENG

| 27 | KHAG L | No. 136 - APRIL 2025 Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre Astronomy Centre for Educators Workshop on Astronomy, Science, and Society A two-day workshop on Astronomy, Science, and Society was jointly organised by the Maharashtra State Faculty Development Academy (MSFDA), Pune, and the Astronomy Centre for Educators (ACE) of IUCAA at G.H. Raisoni International Skill Tech University, Pune, on February 20–21, 2025. This recurring program, conducted several times a year across different regions of Maharashtra, is designed for faculty members from all academic disciplines—sciences, arts, humanities, and professional courses—in institutions of higher education. The February edition marked the first program of the year and was attended by approximately 40 faculty members from across Maharashtra. The workshop aimed to explore the scientific and societal dimensions of astronomy through expert presentations, interactive sessions, and night sky observations. The program commenced with an introductory session on the night sky and celestial objects by Jameer Manur. Participants were introduced to how the Universe reveals different characteristics when observed across various wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. To illustrate this, Ruta Kale (NCRA) presented the radio view of the Universe, while Vaidehi S. Paliya (IUCAA) discussed the high-energy perspective. Prakash Arumugasamy conducted a timeline-based quiz on astronomical discoveries, emphasising the non-intuitive nature of many cosmic phenomena and introducing techniques to grasp the vast numerical scales associated with astronomical measurements. The first day concluded with an open-air rooftop session that included night sky observations and telescope viewing, As part of the International Astronomical Union's (IAU) co-National Outreach Coordinator (co-NOC) team for India, Samir Dhurde contributed to the international “Equal Day” pilot events held on March 20, 2025. Supported by the IAU Office of Astronomy for Education, this global initiative witnessed the registration of 135 events worldwide and was considered a significant success in promoting as t r onomy educa t i on and pub l i c engagement. In another IAU-aligned outreach effort, Samir Dhurde participated in Nakshatra Sabha , an astro-tourism event, where he delivered a talk titled “Dark Sky Conservation: Current Worldwide Efforts and Challenges.” The session highlighted global initiatives and obstacles in preserving dark skies, bringing attention to l i g h t p o l l u t i o n a n d s u s t a i n a b l e skywatching practices. IAU-Related Outreach 25. MessierMarathon Parut Village, Mahabaleshwar (28 March) Attended by 10 amateur astronomers.