Basics of Stargazing

Course fee - INR 12000 per batch   Maximum Capacity of a Batch - 20 Students

Basics of Stargazing

1. Introduction and ice-breaker 

• Brief welcome and introduction of StarGaze and the ISRO Space Tutor program; emphasize purpose: promoting scientific temper and curiosity about space.​

• Ask simple questions: “What have you seen in the night sky?” “Has anyone used a telescope before?”

• Show 2–3 images of telescopes/observatories and famous space missions to connect with ISRO’s work in space science and technology.​

2. Concept of telescopes 

• Explain in age-appropriate language:

  • Why telescopes are needed (to collect more light and see faint/far objects).

  • Difference between refracting and reflecting telescopes, with simple sketches on board or slides.​

• Show the real telescope(s): point out and name the parts (tube, eyepiece, objective lens or mirror, focuser, mount, tripod, finder).​

• Quick group Q&A: students guess each part’s role, then you clarify.

3. Hands-on telescope handling 

• Demonstrate safe handling: how to carry, set up tripod, lock mount, and insert eyepiece. Emphasize not touching optics and not pointing near the Sun.​

• Divide students into small groups

• Each group:

  • Practices adjusting tripod height and mount.

  • Practices using the finder scope to center a distant terrestrial object (tree, building light, tower) before dark or early in the evening.​

• Rotate roles: one student points, one checks through eyepiece, one records what they see.

4. Stargazing orientation (naked-eye sky tour) 

• Move outside to the observing area; allow 5–10 minutes for dark adaptation.

• Point out:

  • Cardinal directions (N/E/S/W) using a compass or landmarks.

  • The Moon (if visible), bright planets, and 2–3 easy constellations suited to season and location (e.g., Orion, Ursa Major, Cassiopeia, Scorpio).​

• Optionally use a mobile sky-map app for demonstration, but keep the focus on real-sky recognition, following school/device rules.​

5. Telescope observations

• Pre-select 1–3 targets based on sky and equipment, for example:​

  • The Moon: craters, maria, terminator line.

  • A bright planet (Jupiter with moons, Saturn’s rings, Venus phase) if available.

  • A bright star or cluster.

• At each telescope, have a simple observation sheet where students note:

  • Object name

  • What shape/structure they noticed

  • One question they have about it

• Ensure each student gets at least 1–2 chances at the eyepiece; use short time limits per student to keep the line moving.

6. Reflection and wrap-up

• Quick group sharing: ask 3–4 students what surprised them most.

• Connect back to space science careers and ISRO missions, mentioning that such observations are first steps towards understanding satellites, deep-space probes, and astronomy research.​

• Inform students about follow-up activities (e.g., next session on planets, satellites, or building a simple model telescope).

Materials and safety checklist

• Telescopes (preferably 1 per 10–15 students) with stable mounts and multiple eyepieces.​

• Red-light torches (if available) to protect night vision.

• Observation worksheets, pencils, clipboards.

• Laser pointer only if permitted and used safely by tutor only.

• Strict rule: No solar observing in this session and never point telescopes near the Sun; communicate this clearly as a safety mantra.​