The skies have inspired sages and scientists, poets and mathematicians alike, since time immemorial. Now, BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus has its very own eye to the skies.
Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani University inaugurated the campus observatory in presence of Prof. Suman Kundu, Director, Goa Campus, Colonel S. Chakraborty (Retd), Registrar, BITS Pilani University, Dean, Administration of Goa Campus Prof. D. M. Kulkarni and several faculty and students.
Students of the campus astronomy club ‘SEDS Celestia’ presented a few selected projects that they are working on, such as rocketry, can-sat and the radio telescope. Prof. Tarun Kumar Jha and Prof. Arunav Kundu from the Department of Physics described ongoing projects on the campus and presented plans for the future which includes interdisciplinary and cross campus initiatives which will incorporate the new facility and workspace. The scientific and technical aspects will address not only the domain of astronomy and astrophysics but various other disciplines such as earth sciences, comet science, and the development of small satellites which involves many aspects of software and hardware engineering.
Prof. Radhika Vathsan, (Head of Physics Department) further emphasised the educational and public outreach aspects of the facility, with regularly scheduled sky watching sessions and public talks open to people of all ages.
Prof. Rao in his address encouraged such activities as opportunities for advancement of science in the country are increasing.
The team was greatly encouraged by the support of the Director, Prof Suman Kundu
