Looking to the Skies – Forever Hobby

Not sure exactly when I got the interest in skies and the wonders out there. May be through the activities I had with Regional Science centre and Planetarium in Calicut in my school days, then through the science fairs and science Olympiads were my topics always had something to do with Astronomy and Space observation. Grown up later to joining the Amateur Astronomy Club participating in lots of sky observations, discussions, trips to observatories the interest was well maintained, rather I call it Enthusiasm about the wonders in Sky.

Joining Farook College for bachelors in Physics, which already had a group for Astronomy enthusiasts called ‘AstroFarook’. The group I later presided over to organise quiet few programs with support from the club members and teachers just kept the flame alive. We were successful in bringing the first digital magazine from the College campus along with a Print version of Articles by Students.

Video Link for few Astro Farook videos, prepared about the activities of the club


The Astronomy Club I started with colleagues in Infy, which I was presiding over till the time I was in Bangalore ‘Orion’, was quiet very active with programs at least one in two weeks. The members were very much enthusiastic which made our discussion session go beyond the planned durations. There were lot of people who had genuine interest in the topic of Astronomy and great deal of knowledge as well. This indeed was the most promising factor as it helped the members to get to know things from those who do things more on an amateur front. We had sessions in Introduction to Astronomy, Astronomy and Astrology, Night Sky observation, video screening on Telescope making, and series of talks on theoretical and observational astronomy. The team also ventured to attend few of the programs organised by Bangalore Astronomical Society. The Orion DL was growing in size very fast with people from other DC’s also joining in. Another group named ‘Vedh’ for Astronomy’ was also formed later by another Infoscion catering for those in Pune.

More here : http://orionastronomy.blogspot.com/

As I moved out overseas on for a company assignment, Vishak took over coordinating the group and did very well which was then handed over to Rakesh who is an active Astronomy enthusiast as Vishak went abroad for further studies. The group is quiet active with the mailing list, recently featured in the Infy TV and growing in Size.

Back here in Bedford, I was so happy to find that an active and well equipped Astronomy group is present here. Bedford Astronomical Society so good with an awesome observatory, active participants, rich knowledge base, small and cute planetarium and variety of discussions and happening almost every week with observation sessions on Wednesdays is a nice place an amateur astronomer would like to get along with. As I had logistic issue to reach there every time before I bought a car here, I was not able to go there often but now, Thank god it’s just a 10 minute drive from home.


Find one picture taken recently from Piazzy Smith Observatory (Planet Saturn - with visible rings).

I had bought a 6’’ reflecting telescope last year from a German manufacturer which I had taken to India (Flight Luggage), the bad part is that it has not even used for a single time till now. I wish soon I will, but not sure when I am going to be there and If am there when is that time without travel and tiredness?

Insha Allah, Praying for the best