Jyotirvidya Parisanstha Star Parties and Astronomy Programs
by Jyotirvidya Parisanstha (JVP)
Hands-on sky observation skills
Jyotirvidya Parisanstha Star Parties and Astronomy Programs is a program by Jyotirvidya Parisanstha (JVP) for children aged 0 to 100, open to students across India. Enrollment stays open through the year, so your child can join anytime.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
₹1,000
Duration
Overnight star party sessions run from about 6:00 pm to a 6:30 am departure; the annual basic astronomy course runs about 20 days in May.
Format
Individual
Time needed
One full-night session per month, held on a Saturday close to the new moon.
Key dates
- Enrollment
- Open all year
Tilak Smarak Mandir, Pune., Pune, Maharashtra
About this opportunity
Jyotirvidya Parisanstha runs monthly overnight star parties and a year-round calendar of astronomy programs for the public.
Each star party is held on a Saturday close to the new moon at a farm site about 40 km outside the city. The session runs from dusk to dawn and moves between telescopic viewing of planets, nebulae and galaxies, naked-eye sessions on constellations and Nakshatras, astro-games, planetarium software and astro-movies.
Alongside the star parties, the association runs a roughly 20-day basic astronomy course every May covering the solar system, stars and galaxies, telescopes, radio astronomy, comets and meteors, eclipses, basic mathematics in astronomy and astrophotography, with one practical observing session at a dark site. Study tours visit the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope, the IUCAA Girawali Observatory and the Nehru Planetarium.
Members can borrow instruments from the telescope library after six months, use the Kesariwada observatory and join observing groups working on variable stars, meteors, occultations and deep-sky imaging. Free public programs are also arranged for eclipses, transits and planetary oppositions, and the association conducts sessions on invitation for schools, colleges and clubs.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 0 to 100 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Open to the public with no stated age or grade restriction. Jyotirvidya Parisanstha states that membership is open to all who share an interest in astronomy and that members come from all age groups. Each participant is booked and charged individually, and members pay a lower rate than non-members.
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Benefits
- Telescopic viewing of planets, nebulae and galaxies
- Guided naked-eye constellation and Nakshatra sessions
- Telescope library access after six months of membership
- Annual 20-day basic astronomy course each May
- Study tours to GMRT, IUCAA Girawali and the Nehru Planetarium
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
Sessions cover the solar system, stars and galaxies, telescopes, radio astronomy, comets and meteors, eclipses, basic mathematics in astronomy and astrophotography.
Skills your child builds
What your child will do
- Telescopic viewing of planets, nebulae and galaxies
- Naked-eye sessions on constellations and Nakshatras
- Astro-games and planetarium software sessions
- Astro-movies and slide shows through the night
- Annual 20-day basic astronomy course in May
Mentors & faculty
Sessions are conducted by volunteer members of the association, whose governing council is headed by president Ajit Kembhavi. Public lectures are delivered by scientists from IUCAA, GMRT and other institutes.
How to apply
- 1Watch the JVP events page for the session announcement
- 2Book the seat online through the payment link published with it
- 3Choose the optional JVP bus or arrange own transport
- 4Report at the pickup point or venue by the stated time
Fees & financial support
Fee details
The overnight star party is charged per head and covers the site charges, evening snacks, dinner and three teas. Members pay a lower rate than non-members, and an optional return bus from Swargate is charged separately. Membership itself is billed annually or as a one-time life membership, with a small admin fee for new members. Payment is made online through the link published with each session announcement.
Refund policy
Fees are not refunded when bad weather forces alternative activities, and latecomers who miss the bus departure are not refunded.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child join Jyotirvidya Parisanstha Star Parties and Astronomy Programs anytime?
Yes. Enrollment stays open through the year. Your child can join at any time.
Is Jyotirvidya Parisanstha Star Parties and Astronomy Programs free?
No. The registration fee is ₹1,000.
Who can participate in Jyotirvidya Parisanstha Star Parties and Astronomy Programs?
Children aged 0 to 100.
What will my child gain from Jyotirvidya Parisanstha Star Parties and Astronomy Programs?
Telescopic viewing of planets, nebulae and galaxies. Guided naked-eye constellation and Nakshatra sessions. Telescope library access after six months of membership. Annual 20-day basic astronomy course each May. Study tours to GMRT, IUCAA Girawali and the Nehru Planetarium.
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