USTM’s Polaris Astronomy Club brings the cosmos closer at St. Edmund’s College

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 20, 2025

The mysteries of the universe came to life at St. Edmund’s College, Shillong, as the Polaris Astronomy Club of the University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM) hosted an Astronomical Outreach for Night Sky-Gazing on campus. The event, designed to ignite scientific curiosity, saw the participation of over 150 students, offering them a hands-on experience with celestial observations.

The program began with an inaugural session led by Principal Brother Sunil Britto, who underscored the significance of astronomy in shaping scientific temperament. “All of us are made of stardust,” he reminded attendees, reinforcing humanity’s cosmic connection. Dr. K. P. Pallavi Malhan, Vice Principal (Academics), expressed gratitude for USTM’s collaboration, recalling past successful initiatives.

A highlight of the evening was an insightful talk titled “Sky is NOT the Limit” by Dr. Nitu Borgohain, Assistant Professor of Physics at USTM. His session expanded students’ perspectives on space exploration and the boundless nature of scientific inquiry.

The event also featured an interactive Solar Diameter Determination activity, where students applied simple techniques to calculate the Sun’s size. As night fell, excitement soared as participants observed celestial wonders through USTM’s advanced telescopes. Student members of the Polaris Astronomy Club, guided by Assistant Professor Ms. Devashree Borgohain, assisted attendees in handling telescopes and identifying celestial objects.

In collaboration with the Astronomy Club of St. Edmund’s College, the event seamlessly blended theory with hands-on learning. Students and faculty praised USTM’s initiative, with many calling for more such programs in the future. “It was not just educational but deeply inspiring,” shared a student participant, capturing the essence of the night’s experience.