AstroSafari : Journeying through the Skies of Karnataka
Democrazily Science is an ambitious project designed to ignite curiosity and wonder about science and space among individuals of all age groups. As part of this initiative, Open Space Foundation, is undertaking a unique endeavour. Starting on Sept 24th and concluding on Oct 1st, a group of five OSF volunteers will travel across southern Karnataka. Their mission is to organize day and night sky watching sessions in around 10-15 schools and 4 -5 villages during the 8-day period.
Equipped with two 5-inch reflector-type telescopes and two refractor-type telescopes, the OSF team will provide an opportunity for many individuals to observe celestial objects in the sky for the first time. This event is planned to coincide with the prestigious Chandrayaan-III launch and International Moon Day celebration, adding to the excitement and significance of the experience.
The program is thoughtfully designed to engage both educational institutions and villages. Each day will be divided into three time slots: 10AM – 12PM, 2PM – 4PM, and 6:30PM – 9:00PM. The morning slots will be dedicated to educational institutions, while the evening slots will cater to villages or panchayat. Alongside sky watching, sessions introducing astronomy will be conducted, fostering knowledge and interest among students and villagers alike.
The objectives of this project are as follows:
- Raise awareness and generate interest in space exploration, with a particular focus on the Chandrayaan III and Adithya L1 mission.
- Educate the public about the sun, moon, and other celestial objects, providing insights into their geological features and their significance in scientific research.
- Offer an interactive and immersive experience through telescopic observations of the Moon and other celestial objects, enabling participants to witness the wonders of the universe first-hand.
- Encourage youth participation and stimulate their interest in various STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).
Through these objectives, OSF aims to inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity about science and space, fostering scientific literacy and promoting the pursuit of knowledge in related disciplines.
Program Schedule:
| Place | Days | Slots possible | Date | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mysore | 1 | Visting an Orphanage and Hullenahalli village |
September 24 | ||
| Tumkur | 2 | 4 government/government aided schools and 2 villages |
September 25 | Mangalore | 2 | 4 government/government aided schools and 1 villages |
September 28 |
| Shivamoga | 2 | 4 government/government aided school and 2 villages |
September 30 |
Expected Outcomes:
- Increased public awareness and interest in space exploration, particularly the Chandrayaan III mission, fostering a sense of excitement and curiosity among participants.
- Enhanced scientific knowledge and understanding of the Moon's geological features, allowing participants to gain valuable insights into lunar research and exploration.
- Establishment of a decentralized volunteer mechanism, enabling the sustainability of astronomical outreach activities in the region and encouraging continued engagement with science and astronomy.
- Strengthened community engagement and collaboration in promoting science education, scientific temperament, and outreach, fostering a culture of scientific curiosity and exploration.
Budget and Funding: To successfully execute the Democrazily Science project, we are seeking financial support in the amount of 65000 INR. This funding will cover various expenses, including equipment transportation, boarding and lodging for the resource individuals, transportation costs, volunteer training, promotional materials, and other logistical requirements.
| Reason | Calculation | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 150L @102 INR | 15000 |
| Car emergency maintenance and repair | 7000 | |
| Food | 300 per person per day * 6 people (including 1 district level volunteer) * 8 days (including return) | 15000 |
| Stay | 3000 (3 rooms) * 2 days | 6000 |
| First aid and other safety expenses | 7000 | |
| Stipend for non-fulltime OSF volunteers | 5000 × 3 | 15000 |
| Overall Budget | 65000 |
We sincerely appeal to our well-wishers, partner institutions, science and technology organizations, and companies to join hands with us and provide the necessary financial support to ensure the resounding success of this event. Your generous contribution will not only benefit the communities in Karnataka but also align with your social responsibility objectives, including Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), demonstrating your commitment to science education, scientific temperament, and community engagement.
If you wish to contribute, please find the OSF bank account details below:
Account Number: 800010110009983
Account Name: Open Space Foundation
Bank: Bank of India
IFSC: BKID0008000
We are pleased to inform you that all donations will be entitled to the 80G certificate (50% Slab), allowing you to avail tax benefits for your contribution.
For organizations interested in larger sponsorships, CSR initiatives, grants, or other forms of donations, we kindly request you to reach out to us at contact@openspacefoundation.in or call us at +91-9916394958. We would be delighted to discuss the possibilities of collaboration and address any queries or concerns you may have.
Together, let us make science accessible to everyone. We firmly believe that Democrazily Science has the potential to inspire individuals, enabling them to explore the wonders of the Moon and fostering a passion for scientific discovery. By partnering with us, you, your institution, or your company will have a significant impact on promoting science education and nurturing a culture of innovation in our society.
We would be honoured to have the opportunity to discuss this proposal further and provide any additional information you may require. Thank you for considering our request, and we eagerly anticipate the prospect of collaborating with you on this meaningful endeavour.
For more details
Open Space Foundation
contact@openspacefoundation.in
+91-9916394958
