Under the Full Moon, Students Discover the Wonders of the Night Sky

Senior Correspondent.TOD.Balurghat 

Under the glow of the full moon on Monday night, around 50 students at Bharat Sevashram Sangha had an opportunity to explore the wonders of the night sky through a telescope, thanks to an initiative by the Balurghat Sky Club.The event offered students a chance to observe celestial objects up close, turning an ordinary night into an engaging lesson in astronomy. Along with the students, several young children also took part in the observation session.

The highlight of the evening was the opportunity to view not only the full moon but also Saturn and its distinctive rings through a telescope. For many of the students, it was their first experience of observing celestial objects through such an instrument.Among those who participated were Class 10 students Shambhu Tirkey, Abhijit Hembram, Rudra Hansda and Debashis Oraon. Sharing their excitement, they said, “This was the first time we had observed the night sky through a telescope like this. We really enjoyed it and learned many new things.”

Swami Bishwarupananda Maharaj of Bharat Sevashram Sangha was present at the event. Representing the Balurghat Sky Club were Tuhinshubhra Mondal and Sougata Chakraborty, two of the initiative's organisers.Swami Bishwarupananda Maharaj welcomed the initiative, describing it as a valuable learning opportunity for students.“I felt this was an excellent initiative for the students. When I learned about it, I agreed immediately. I also looked through the telescope, as did other members of the Sangha. We learned many new things,” he said.

The programme sought to nurture scientific curiosity among young learners by allowing them to experience astronomy beyond the classroom. By bringing the moon, Saturn and its rings into view, the Balurghat Sky Club offered students a memorable introduction to the vastness of the universe.For the students gathered beneath the night sky, the evening was more than an astronomical observation. It was an opportunity to see familiar points of light as real worlds waiting to be explored.