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

Horizon 05 - Fun,Hardwork and satisfaction

One attempt which I consider as a good work from me, which gave lot of satisfaction and good time.

A digital Astronomy Magazine - " Horizon 05 "

I did this in my final year in Farook College. Also released a print version at the same occation.

The Magazine contained articles by the members,astronomy pictures, ebooks, astro softwares, a video about the activities of the club, clips about the Club and a message from the College principal. It was great time and wonderful experience. I had taken my handy cam to the collage in the occasions of the activities of the club and at time i didn't had any plans to make a video out of those.

You can see one of that video here, also see the related videos at the end.

See the picture of the release function. Also the first screen of the magazine.

So you might wonder where am I here? Actually I just leaned down to take something when the flash blinked - so You can imagine me present behind the clips in the left of the photo :-)

The releasing was also done very well at the Audio Visual Theater. Myself and Jihad took lot of care to make the light sound settings to be apt in changing moments and all. We screened the video to the audience and then the Project Coordinator, RSC Calicut released the CD from the hands of ZA Ashraf sir. A very memorable time for me and for some of my AstroFarook friends. My Friend Pramod had worked a lot in designing this, the contribution from the AstroFarook team and teachers where immense.
We sold the CD to the students and teachers of the collage as a fund raising activity for the club. And of course We did that well too :-)

Here in Infosys, the Astronomy Club "Orion" which we started in last April is just going very well, am just having good time Coordinating the activities

Orion at Infy

From the science fairs in my school days, activities at Regional science center, Astro farook at my collage i was always in love with Astronomy. After the visit to Kavaloor observatory, my idea, i mean ' my idea of what i need to be in Astronomy" Took the shape for being an Amateur :)

Here in Infy it, being since a year and a half it was great pleasure when i found a good group interested in the topic and many have good knowledge and their forms "Orion - the Astronomy Club' .. Now in the growth state; members from different places, different interests and of course varieing views on different topics..i should say that the team is just wonderful..

Since its not ideal time for sky observation now..we are up with lots of discussions and debates on Astronomy related topics.. The one good point I want to make about the group is about the wonderful mix... many newcomers to the Topic..many Average Amateurs :).. and lot Knowledged and well experienced people ...

I hope in fact i am quiet sure that this team is going to be very good and we are gonna have a lot good Astronomy time together :)