Center for Astronomy and Space Technology - The CAST
INTRODUCTION
It is a need of the day to popularize Astronomy and Space science in Marathwada region. No such type of center exist in this region at present. The weather condition at Nanded is feasible for setting up an observatory for research as well as observation. This center is to help promoting amateur astronomers for their observations and to develop scientific temper among common people. Nanded is comparatively a remote place in the interiors of Maharashtra. It is in the Marathwada region which is an undeveloped region of Maharashtra. The existing natural parameters are responsible for this region being deprived of the developments in various sectors of life. But we, as an element of the society, should try hard to overcome the shortfalls and to keep this region in pace with any developed part of the rest of the world. The present proposal is being forwarded with this thought. The center is established with this thought in mind and is named as Mahatma Gandhi Mission's Centre for Astronomy and Space Technology (CAST).
GLOBLE AWARD WINNING CENTRE
During International Astronomy Year 2009 centre was participated in seven International events and won second prize in ‘Most complete Astronomy club, group, or society member participation’ category of “100 Hours of Astronomy” event. For this event 2308 Centers were participated from 105 countries around the globe.
OBJECTIVES
The main objective of CAST are
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To provide a centre for excellence for teaching, research and development in Astronomy and Space Technology.
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To organize different orientation courses / workshops for school & University level in Astronomy & Space Technology
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To undertake advanced level research in current topics as well as programs for science popularization.
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To encourage & undertaking of collaborative research programs by its core academic members with scientists in India and other countries.
FACILITIES AT CENTRE
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14” MEADE LX 200 GPS – Fully Automated Astronomical Telescope with Imaging System
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Badder and H-Alpha Solar Telescope for Sun observation
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NanoMetrix – Digital Seismograph for monitoring swarm earthquake activities.
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Davis Pro Advanced Automated Weather Station for monitoring real time 15 weather parameters of Nanded city
WORK DONE BY THE CENTRE
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Keeping Daily Meteorological data -
( Max – Min Temp, Max – Min Humidity and Rainfall )of Nanded city from last 14 years.
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Short and Long term Weather forecasting and analysis of metrological events at Marathwada level and made available for news paper for public outreach.
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Research on Sun – Earth relation & Solar Sunspots Impact on Earth’s Climate.
(Forecasting in year 2008 about Little Ice is coming on Earth)
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Designing and Development of Lightning Instruments (Lightning Radar and Electric Field Mill) in CAST Centre.
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Students worked for their final year projects on various new ideas.
MAIN ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED AT CAST CENTRE DURING ACADEMIC YEAR 2009-2014
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Vigyan Prasar ( Govt Of India) sponsored “ National Orientation Workshop on Transit of Venus” was Organised by CAST centre during 11 to 13 May 2012 ( 55 Participants from Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra were registered )
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TOV Expedition: Observed Transit of Venus on 06th June 2012 from Pachmarhi ( MP)
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An informative Exhibition on MARS ORBITER MISSION INSERSION IN MARS ORBIT was organized at Centre during 21 to 24 September 2014
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Participated in International Geminid Meteor Shower on 17-18 Nov. 2014 from Patnoor as per International Meteor Organisation, Germany.
Dr. Sachin Naravdiya, Scientist, Vigyan Prasar- Observing Solar flairs in H-Alpha Solar Telescope
Seeing Planets and Moon features through 14” LX200 MEADE telescope
Night sky observation session
Inauguration of Pictorial & informative exhibition on “Mission Comet ISON” by Director Dr. Mrs. Geeta S. Lathkar Madam
Inaugurations of Advanced Weather Station at CAST centre by auspicious hands of Shri. Dheeraj Kumar, District Collector, Nanded. This is a first kind facility, installed in Marathwada region.