TRIP TO ASTROPORT, CLASS V

(MARCH 16 TO 18, 2025)

‘Arrive curious…...depart amazed.’

Space they say is the final frontier. At G D Goenka Public School, Sector- 48, Gurugram, the imagination and attitude of the students is the final frontier and it transcends space. With a view to exposing our students to space, the stars above and fire their imagination beyond, a trip was organised to Astroport- Sariska for the students of grade 5 from MARCH 16 TO 18, 2025.

Ephemeral, ethereal, subdued are just some of the adjectives that describe heavenly objects of the night sky. To see them at their resplendent best we need to preclude atmospheric and light pollutants. Surrounded by the Sariska Tiger reserve and spread over 60 acres, Astroport is India’s third darkest place at night and the first astronomy and adventure experience park. This makes it the ideal spot to see the heavens above and understand light pollution and its effects on sighting, sleep patterns and for viewing celestial bodies in their pristine glory.

The experience began with students being briefed about the telescope, its uses, types, parts and evolutionary history. Students were then given hands on experience of using a telescope. In the next session, they were briefed about constellations and the use of sky charts. They were given practical demonstrations of spatial orientation using constellations. Adaptation to low light conditions and the effect of bright lights rounded off this session. Thereafter students were shown deep space objects such as galaxies and various nebulae besides planets in our own solar system. Space travel requires the use of special vehicles called rockets. Through a fun and interactive do it yourself kit students were explained the laws of motion, rocketry and trajectory. They were briefed on aspects about rockets such as its fuel, speeds, types of motion and space exploration history. The trip also saw the Goenkans understand and see the concept of organic farming and solar energy followed by a dance party.

The young explorers visited The Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, the next day. The memories of this trip would always remain etched in the hearts of the students as it was not just fun filled but also helped them explore the humble abode of wild and wood.

The aim of the visit was realised in full as the students faces glowed bright in the clear sky. Our students arrived curious and departed amazed from the Astroport. We at GDGPS strive to provide practical exposure to stimulate the quest for knowledge amongst our students. The visit to the Astroport was a step in this direction.