Apeejay Pitampura students are galaxies ahead!

Astronomy has fascinated mankind since times immemorial. It is this quest to know beyond that is the cornerstone of modern day science. Apeejay School, Pitampura has always tried to cultivate a love for science in their students. The school has encouraged and supported the passion of students interested in astronomy. 

Early this month, as many as 34 students of the astronomy club were taken to Sariska in Rajasthan for an overnight sky observation. Sariska has less pollution and hence, it is easier to observe galaxies, planets, their moons and the motion of artificial satellites. 

Different activities were conducted to explain various celestial activities. Through Planisphere reading, with the help of a handy sky map students could  spot stars and galaxies. Students observed various planets and constellations through a telescope and learnt its working as well.  Students observed galaxies like M-4, M-13, M-22, Andromeda as well as planets like Jupiter and Mars with their moons through a telescope. 

Students also indulged in astrophotography and clicked pictures of celestial objects using a DSLR camera, post adjusting the focal length, shutter speed, ISO, exposure and other features of the camera. The trip was an enriching experience for the students and also a good learning experience for budding astronomers.

Rocket exploration

Apeejay School, Pitampura nurtures a brilliantly talented astronomy club for the past 20 years. This club provides a platform to the students to explore the universe and create an interest in science. Throughout the year, different sessions like structure of the solar system, types of comets and their formations, relation between local time and Indian standard time among other concepts are conducted.

The school recently conducted a session on the construction and working of a rocket. Basic principles of a rocket were explained. Students were delighted to know how a rocket  is powered with air pressure which serves as a fuel when it reacts with water. Various parts of a rocket were also explained in detail. 

Students were amazed as they learnt that the cone shaped structure in front of a rocket cuts the friction between air and the rocket and prevents the rocket from burning. They further learnt about fins at the back of the rocket that maintain the direction of the rocket and do not let it change its course. As a rocket goes into space the rocket separates out its parts and the satellite which was in the rocket is launched from it and the people who are sitting in the cone of the rocket begin their return journey to Earth. Astronomy club students even launched a simple miniature rocket powered by air and water in the school playground. The rocket was made with simple daily life objects like bottles, balls, clay and chart paper. It was a magnificent sight to watch a rocket fly.

Another session was conducted by the school on the topic of the Sun. Safe viewing techniques were used to understand the sun and its features, space weather and the impact of solar radiation on the Earth was also explained. Students learned the methods to observe the Sun safely by constructing a solar filter. Solar observation was done through a telescope using projection, solar filter, solar view and a pinhole camera.