PANAJI: The Association of Friends of Astronomy (AFA), Goa, will resume its regular sky observation programmes across the state from November 14, following the monsoon break. The weekly sessions will be conducted at various centres, offering the public an opportunity to observe celestial objects through telescopes.
In Panaji, however, the association will conduct its programmes at roadside locations after being asked to vacate the Junta House observatory, where it had been operating for the past 42 years. The association said no alternative premises had been provided so far. The first Panaji session will be held at Dr F L Gomes Park near the Directorate of Health Services at Campal.
According to AFA president Satish Nayak, the weekly programmes will be held simultaneously at five locations across Goa on Saturday, November 14, from 7 pm to 8.30 pm, subject to clear weather conditions. Apart from Panaji, the observation sessions will be organised at Ravindra Bhavan in Margao, the terrace of 1930 in Vasco on Swantantra Path, Saraswat College ground at Khorlim in Mapusa, and Vidya Prabodhini High School in Porvorim. The sessions will include telescope viewing of Saturn and the Moon, along with constellation identification and general sky observation. The programmes are open to the public, and entry is free.
Sessions at the association's other centres in Borim, Canacona, Harmal and Sankhali will be announced separately during special programmes and celestial events. Details of upcoming regular sessions, meteor shower observations, all-night observation programmes and star parties at Chorla Ghat will be available on the association's website, afagoa.org.
