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Cosmic passion through night camps – J’pura Astronomy Club, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka

By Muthuthanthrige Attygalle posted 09-12-2023 06:33

  

Cosmic passion through night camps – J’pura Astronomy Club

J’pura Astronomy Club is an organization consisting of astronomical enthusiasts from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. We possess more than 1,000 active members among various faculties and we are one of the most prominent undergraduate circles inside the institution.

The whole of the students is eligible to be a member of the club within their academic years. The club is led by an executive committee of members and division heads with the guidance of senior treasurer Dr. (Mrs.) Lilani Attygalle.

Currently, the J’pura Astronomy Club undertakes numerous efforts to popularize astronomy among university students through social media and arranging physical events.

Dr. Lilani addressing the night camp participants.

The whole of the students is eligible to be a member of the club within their academic years. The club is led by an executive committee of members and division heads with the guidance of senior treasurer Dr. Lilani Attygalle.

Currently, the J’pura Astronomy Club undertakes numerous efforts to popularize astronomy among university students through social media and by arranging physical events.

The leading scheme of the J’pura Astronomy Club is carrying out night camps in schools. These events are guided to publicize astronomy knowledge among any student population. The J’pura Astronomy Club's night camps are designed with a singular purpose, to ignite a passion for astronomy among students. These immersive events are carefully curated to offer a blend of education, hands-on experiences, and fun, all under the celestial canopy.

The club organized three such camps in the Negombo, Pasyala, and Colombo areas last year.

Group @ Weerasuriyakanda Kanishta Vidyalaya, Pasyala, Sri Lanka
Group @ St. Peter's College, Negombo

Observational Sessions

Imagine a group of students gathering under a blanket of stars, looking through telescopes to see the craters on the moon, the brightness of distant planets, and the enigmatic attraction of deep-sky phenomena. These observing activities help students develop a strong bond with the universe while also giving them a view of the cosmos.

Observation-1
Observation 2
Moon

Lectures Illuminating the Cosmos

The night camps feature engaging lectures led by club members. These talks cover a wide range of topics, from the basics of general astronomy to the intricacies of rocketry, observation techniques, and even the profound mysteries of cosmology. These lectures bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical understanding.

Lecturing 1
Participants @Negombo night camp event

Water Rocket Competitions

Water rocket contests are an exciting way for science to meet fun. Students are given the task of creating their own rockets, which sparks their imagination and introduces them to the fundamentals of physics and engineering. The rush of sending their creations into the air is a wonderful sensation. students were provided with the necessary instruments and components to design a water rocket, and the team that recorded the highest horizontal flying distance was selected as an admiration.

Water rocket 1
Water rocket competition

Fun Activities for Cosmic Connection

The learning doesn't stop with lectures; the night camps include a variety of fun activities designed to foster camaraderie and curiosity. From astronomy-themed quizzes to interactive sessions, these activities make learning enjoyable and memorable.

Group activity
Newspaper aliens challenge

As the club continues to organize these transformative night camps, it is sowing the seeds of curiosity and discovery in young minds across Sri Lanka. With each telescope gaze and rocket launch, the J’pura Astronomy Club is nurturing a new generation of stargazers and cosmic explorers, reminding us all that the universe is a boundless realm waiting to be explored by those with a thirst for knowledge and a sense of wonder.

Group @ Vidura College-Colombo
J'pura astronomy club-2023 executive board
J'pura astro club officials from 2020,2021 and 2022

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