Astronomy workshop sparks scientific curiosity among students in remote Assam school

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 29, 2024

In a unique effort to cultivate scientific curiosity among students, the Astro-Science Centre and Observatory (ASCO) of the University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM) organized a “One-day Workshop on Daytime Astronomy” at Borhat Higher Secondary School in the remote Charaideo district of Upper Assam.

The event began with an inaugural session led by the school’s Principal, Jitu Moni Bhuyan, who highlighted the workshop’s objectives and welcomed both faculty and students. Dr. Nitu Borgohain, Assistant Professor of Physics at USTM, delivered an engaging lecture titled “Our Position in the Cosmos”, offering a profound perspective on humanity’s place in the universe.

The workshop combined theoretical insights with practical experiences, drawing an enthusiastic response from over 600 students.

Key activities included a popular science talk exploring humanity’s role in the cosmos and a hands-on session teaching students to measure the solar diameter using simple, effective techniques.

Participants—students and teachers alike—expressed gratitude to USTM for bringing this enriching experience to their locality. A student shared, “The workshop was not only informative but deeply inspiring.” Teachers echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the transformative potential of such programs and urging USTM to conduct more events in the future.

Dr. Borgohain praised the students’ enthusiasm, stating, “Their eagerness to learn is a testament to the universal appeal of astronomy. We hope to continue nurturing such curiosity through our outreach initiatives.”

While nighttime skies often capture the imagination of budding astronomers, the workshop focused on daytime celestial phenomena, introducing students to practical techniques for understanding the universe. Activities centred on observing celestial objects, studying their sizes, and understanding their trajectories—all designed to ignite a deeper interest in science.

By bridging the gap between theory and practice, the workshop proved to be a resounding success, sparking scientific curiosity among students in this remote region. Initiatives like these underscore the importance of outreach programs in empowering young minds and fostering a culture of scientific inquiry in underserved areas.