Popularizing Space Education in Indian Context
- Paper number
IAC-07-E5.3.07
- Author
Mr. Amrut Yalagi, The Planetary Society of Youth, India
- Coauthor
Mr. Basavaprabhu Sheeparamatti, The Planetary Society of Youth, India
- Coauthor
Mr. V. Anbarasab, India
- Year
2007
- Abstract
Indians have many mythological stories about many constellations and stars. Hindu months are based on MOON and 27 stars on Zodiac. They are very important for many Indians in ritual, religious functions. By prompting them to identify their birth star, really makes them elevated. Similarly conveying them the importnace of star gazing with respect to their day-today life makes them to take interest and active participation in Space Activities. Space activites should be driven by public; their requirements; their dreams and imaginations. Their active participation definitely gives valuable inputs to space scientists. Hence, there is a need of involving common man or public mass by appropriate motivation by organising sky gazing sessions, exhibitions, workshops, etc. In this connection, even if the some organisation are able to attract a small percent of qualified engineers/scientists,, enthusistic students, it would result in the creation of a sizable pool of talent in space sciences,which may well determine the future mankind on this planet. Some simple motivation acts have made the people to take interest in space. we have been using certain methodologies to popularize space science - 1] Conducting theory sessions on basics of star gazing and conveying importance of sky gazing with respect to day-today life. 2] Organising seminars, workshops, lectures and other academic/popular science activities with special reference to space science 3] Projects - a] Cubsat Missions b] Automatic Weather Station Facility c] Model making d] Creating and simulating space models and rover making competitions.
- Abstract document