Set up in December 1982 by a group of enthusiastic Astronomy
lovers in Panjim, Goa under the guidance of late Percival Noronha, an eminent
Goan historian and amateur astronomer, the Association of Friends of Astronomy
(AFA) (Goa) literally introduces the universe to young minds. From the first
public astronomical observatory to be set up in India at Junta House in Panjim,
the association has grown over the years and is now proud of nine centres across
Goa. All the centres are voluntarily managed by the members of Association of
Friends of Astronomy (Goa).
“The Public Astronomical Observatory was set up on a vacant
terrace of the tallest government building in Panjim: The Junta House.
Subsequently, the Department of Science, Technology & Environment (Govt. of
Goa), extended a hand to the association and started a modest annual
grant-in-aide for astronomy outreach across Goa and to fund basic instruments
like telescopes. The public Astronomical Observatory of Panjim was fully
renovated and upgraded in 2022 after the persistent and patient efforts for
almost ten long years by the Council,” says Satish Naik, president of
Association of Friends of Astronomy (Goa).
Since 2009, the association has been celebrating Global
Astronomy Month for the astronomy fraternity in Goa by organising events across
the state till May 10. This year, the programmes will also celebrate several
important days like International Earth Day, World Book Day, World Heritage
day, International Astronomy day, assimilating it into the overall Global
Astronomy Month.
“The month will see lectures by renowned speakers and
academicians, workshops, sky observation sessions and field trips besides other
programs. The Space Camp'23 is also being held at the Panjim Observatory.
Activities will also be held at 1930Vasco and Saraswat College, Mapusa. Besides
this, Porvorim Observatory will conduct sky Observations every Tuesday and
Margao Observatory will have observations every Tuesday and Sunday.
Participation at all these events is open to all,” adds Satish.
Goa can also boast of being the only state with the most
number of amateur astronomy observatories in India as well as being the first
state in India to introduce separate astronomy subject in school curriculum.
With approximately 460 life members and 2000 student members, the association
is enthusiastically observing the trend as children fall in love with
astronomy.
“Many young people are genuinely interested in astronomy and
also in career preferences in astronomy. The trend is also due to our efforts
of making astronomy an independent subject in Goa Board schools since 2020 and
many Goan students now study astronomy in Class 9 and 10. Goa is a state where
astronomy is steadily and fully being popularized among the public and students
from the last 40 years by AFA and the results are manifesting now slowly of our
persistent efforts,” concludes Satish.