To encourage scientific temperament among students, the Planetary Society India (PSI) and Space Science Academy (SSA) on Wednesday advocated taking up of observation of planets and awareness about space exploration missions at schools on priority basis.
Speaking to presspersons here, N. Sri Raghunandan Kumar, PSI Director and Founder Secretary, urged school managements to establish ‘Kalam Mars Observation Centres’ in their schools as an outreach campaign to learn, track and observe Mars and inspire future scientists. As part of the project mooted by the PSI and SSA, lectures would be held with the help of their resource persons on topics including space exploration missions, Dr. Kalam’s life and legacy and updates of Mars orbiter mission, he said. The PSI and SSA would also set up astronomical telescope in host schools to observe planets. Schools interested in joining the project were asked to mail their details to ssa.media@gmail. com or visit the website www.ournewplanets.info for more details.
Spot Mars
Starting September 1, those interested in spotting Mars should train their sight towards east in the hours before sunrise. According to the PSI, the planet could be spotted as non-twinkling dot and as weeks pass by, the increase in brightness or size could be noted as Mars meeting earth for close encounter in May, 2016.
Planetary Society India urges schools to establish ‘Kalam Mars Observation Centres’
