Natskies brochure
- 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT NATSKIES.....................................................1 Method of Delivery ....................................................................2 Highlights ................................................................................3 NATSKIES OBSERVATORY AND SPACE MUSEUM.........5 Facilities ..................................................................................6 Natskies Exclusive Camps...........................................................7 NATSKIES OUTREACH PROGRAM...............................8 SPACE IS NOT THE LIMIT........................................10 Membership Programs.............................................................. 10 Research & Volunteering Opportunities ....................................... 11 Career and Placement Guidance....... Error! Bookmark not defined.1
- 3. ABOUT NATSKIES Natskies was born out of passionate collaboration to promote and encourage Astronomy and Space Science. We derive our drive to work harder and better from our goal to inspire young enthusiasts in building careers and vocations in the non-mainstream field of Space Science and Astronomy. Natskies enjoys the support and guidance of America’s Space Agency – The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) through the only ‘NASA Museum Alliance’ in India. With their help, we can ensure that the content that we deliver is of the highest quality and in context to the current affairs and discoveries. The activities and workshops we conduct are mainly categorized in three areas, viz, Space Science, Rocketry and Astronaut Training, and are designed with the Indian enthusiast in mind. It involves subjects
- 4. 2 like Physical Training, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Astronomy, Metallurgy, Environmental Studies and Space Science. Our programs are always customized to best suit the groups based on age and level of exposure. METHOD OF DELIVERY We strongly believe that hands-on experience teaches us much more than any classroom education. All activities at Natskies are designed with this in mind. We focus on delivering the concept and let you experiment with the application of that concept. “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” -Benjamin Franklin Concept Experiment Application of Concept
- 5. 3 HIGHLIGHTS Our Program Director is a ‘Fellow of NASA’ and a ‘Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society’ (One among only seven Indians to achieve this) who has published many International Papers on various platforms in this field A highly qualified and motivated team of Instructors A Proud member of NASA Museum Alliance that allows access to NASA’s incredible archives Comprehensive experimental learning modules Application based workshops Over a thousand activities that engage every age group An easily accessible platform for all Space Science enthusiasts Plenty of opportunities for research, volunteering and internships for interested students
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- 7. 5 NATSKIES OBSERVATORY AND SPACE MUSEUM Located at Natventure Camp Chesson, Panchgani in Maharashtra, Natskies Observatory is India’s 1st Public Access Observatory and Space Museum – a place where curious individuals or group of enthusiasts could come, engage in Space related activities and watch the magical heavens above during special celestial events. Panchgani enjoys the clearest skies except for the monsoon months of June to September which makes it a perfect destination to watch Meteor Showers, Shooting Starts, etc. You can invariable spot a couple of satellites in the sky on any given night. Also, since we are set up in a campsite, there is a lot we can do in terms of Physical Training and Adventure Activities.
- 8. 6 FACILITIES An Observatory Dome that houses a very high end 8-inch Celstron Telescope for night sky observation and research purposes Various other professional refractor and reflector telescopes set up on our observation deck for general night sky observation A Sun-scope that lets you observe and learn about our Sun in the safest way possible A Space Museum showcasing everything about Space from the viewing objects like the nebulas and Planets to Earths various missions out in Space and many models that show man’s presence in Space Astronaut Training Simulators that lets you experience Space A/V Animation Hall and 3D theatre that allows you to view incredible videos and animations from the NASA archives including LIVE telecast from the International Space Station Mars Simulator shows you everything you need to know about the Red Planet and even lets you send a probe on its surface and control it just like the ‘Pathfinder’ A Virtual Reality Booth lets you travel through Space virtually practically anywhere you wish to go A Simulated Night Sky in case of bad weather Make full use of our Space Science Library that has a collection of hundreds of very interesting books
- 9. 7 NATSKIES EXCLUSIVE CAMPS Astronaut camp: Train like an Astronaut. Physical activities are derived from the real-life training that astronauts go through to prepare for exploring space. You will experience hands-on science that relates to the needs of your body on Earth and to the needs of an astronaut in space. Activities: Astronaut physical training, Navigation techniques, Working while wearing a space suit, adaptations of everyday things made easier to use in space, Habitats and lot more. Astronomy Camp: Not many of us remember past the nine planets of what we learnt in school. This camp is designed for you to get acquainted with various wonders of universe in such a way that you will never forget. Astronomy camp is the unique opportunity for you to explore various hobbies. The structured program gives you a hands-on experience on the different types telescopes, their ranges, etc. Activities: Basics of Astronomy, Telescope making, Working of a Telescope, Live observations, Co-ordinate system, Handling of a telescope among other activities and workshops. Rocketry Camp: This camp is an adventure that is both educational and exciting. The program incorporates real-world applications of science, technology, engineering and rocket science. It is designed for 10-16 year olds who are curious about space exploration. Activities: Rocket Making, Space travel mechanics, Hands on activities, Allied space science technologies, Satellites, Prototype satellites, rockets.
- 10. 8 NATSKIES OUTREACH PROGRAM Outreach is an effort to bring Natskies Programs to any school, locality or town so that those who do not have the access to a Space Centre or an Observatory can get a hands-on experience in the field. Natskies Outreach Program is a completely mobile product and can be conducted absolutely anywhere as long as some of our minimum requirements of appropriate space, water and electricity are fulfilled. Our Outreach team will come to your premises and set up our facility and equipment to conduct a 1-day program (6 to 8 hours) for a group size of 100 to 200 participants at a time. A typical Outreach Program could include the following activities*… Air Propelled Rocketry: Design and create your own air propelled rocket and Launch it! Basic concepts of rockets and their components like nose, tail, fins, etc are explained. Small groups apply team work and make their own paper rockets under careful guidance of our team. Once the rockets are ready, we conduct a
- 11. 9 small competition to see whose rocket flies the highest. These are air-propelled rockets and some of them go higher than 100 feet. Gas Propelled Rocketry: Learn the concept of Gas Rockets and the chemistry behind it. Chemical reaction of ingredients when mixed cause the rockets to lift off. Students learn and experiment with various quantities of different substances and the time for the reaction to take place. They note down the results in their worksheets. One kit is given to each group of 3 students and they have to work as a team to complete the task. Audio-Visual / Animations: Enjoy the journey of space science through entertainment as we set up a big screen theatre just for you. Telescope Making: We’ve come a long way since Galileo first invented the Telescope way back in 1614. Types of telescopes and the components are explained and the students make their own telescope from the kits we give them. Then they go out and see points marked through the telescopes. This also helps them during their night sky telescope observations. Astro Food: Ever wondered what Astronauts ate in Space when they are on missions that last for years together?? Students will learn nutritional facts about Space Food and how it is made and packaged for long duration Space Missions. In case we are unable to conduct any activity, we always have a replacement ready that is equally exciting, if not more. We believe, in addition to delivering our program, Outreach has an important educational role of raising awareness of the existing structure and opportunities available in various related fields. We aim to inspire the new generation in the field of Space Science and the possibilities beyond. Looking forward to meeting all the kids in your school or locality and inspiring them!
- 12. 10 SPACE IS NOT THE LIMIT There’s lots more to Natskies than just an observatory and an edutainment park. Since we are connected with many Space Agencies around the world, we can create opportunities for you that you have not yet dreamed of. MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMS Memberships enable you to stay connected with the observatory in many ways. In order to have better utilization of the observatory and its resources, it is always advisable to have membership for broader and frequent interactions. For proper utilization of observatory and satisfaction of your curiosity, membership is a good option as it gives you a lot of opportunities to connect with us. Besides, you will always get updates from us about special events and new development in the field of Space Science in the World.
- 13. 11 RESEARCH & VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES By becoming a volunteer with us, you can explore with us. You would get ample scope to express your abilities and skills. You can learn a wide range of technical skills, public skills, management skills and interpersonal skills. As a student, you would get valuable exposure to scientists and the technical world which can motivate you to seek further opportunities. For students, this would also enrich you as this would be similar to field assignments. Student volunteers also can use the observatory set up for completing their subject related assignments, research or projects along with volunteering. All volunteers would be provided certificates and recommendations. CAREER & PLACEMENT GUIDANCE We have a team that came up and explored various options in the field of Space Science at a time when there weren’t any. Through immense hardships and perseverance, we have achieved the knowledge and the credibility in various International Space programs. There are ample and fulfilling opportunities in the field of Space Science and Astronomy to explore and we can guide you through it every step of the way. Want to become an Astronaut like Neil Armstrong or Kalpana Chawla? It is tough and requires a lot of hard work… But if you are willing and inspired, we will be with you all the way!
- 14. 12 www.natskies.com | info@natskies.com | +91 80879 27845 facebook.com/natskiesobservatory | youtube.com/natskiesobservatory