Certificate Course in Astronomy and Astrophysics 2023-24 Commences at Mumbai University in Partnership with Nehru Planetarium

Mumbai, 6th August 2023: The eagerly anticipated Certificate Course in Astronomy and Astrophysics 2023-24, a collaborative endeavor between Mumbai University and Nehru Planetarium, Worli, Mumbai, has commenced as of Sunday, August 6, 2023.

The inauguration of the course saw a warm welcome extended by Arvind Paranjpye, while Swapnali Gaonkar, from the Centre for Extra-Mural Studies at the University of Mumbai, provided an insightful overview of the curriculum.

Dr. Mahesh Shetty, a distinguished Professor at Wilson College, Mumbai, delivered the inaugural talk, shedding light on the overarching structure of the universe.

This certificate course has been designed for individuals with a keen interest in Astronomy and Astrophysics, aiming to enhance their comprehension of this captivating subject. The comprehensive course, spanning approximately 30 lectures, each lasting around two and a half hours, encompasses a diverse array of topics. These include the Solar System, stellar evolution, the Milky Way Galaxy, extragalactic astronomy, and practical aspects of observational astronomy. The latter involves deciphering star maps, exploring different types of telescopes (optical, radio, and space-based), and delving into space exploration, among other captivating subjects. Participants also acquire familiarity with the celestial bodies adorning the planetarium dome, and receive grounding in basic mathematics and problem-solving.

The esteemed faculty, comprising experts from various disciplines, includes research scientists like Dr. Vinita Navalkar, Dr. Mahesh Shetty, Professor at Wilson College, Mumbai, and avid amateur astronomers like Hrishikesh Joglekar. Furthermore, Mr. Hemant Mone, a veteran amateur astronomer and former school science teacher, will conduct specialized lectures on spherical astronomy.

Sessions on the Solar System will be led by the Director of Nehru Planetarium, Arvind Paranjpye.

As an integral part of the course, students are treated to immersive overnight sky observation sessions. They also have the unique opportunity to visit the Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope (GMRT) and the mesmerizing Lonar crater.

The course welcomes individuals of all ages, without any age restrictions, although a basic familiarity with 10th-grade mathematics is recommended.

Limited seats are still available, and those interested in enrolling can avail of on-spot registration on August 13th at Nehru Planetarium, Worli, the designated venue for the lectures. The course fee is set at Rs 7000/-, with additional charges applicable for outstation visits.