The outreach team of COSMOS is constantly visiting both rural and urban parts of the Mysuru District to promote Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Science. Along with the Collaborators, the outreach team of COSMOS has visited Schools and Colleges of Six Taluks of Mysuru District as of March 2024.
Schools in Mysuru and Surroundings
Visits to rural and urban schools of Mysuru District have been one of the important goals of COSMOS Mysuru. A visit to a school often includes astronomy activities, talks (both in Kannada and English), telescope watches and discussions. The students will be informed and inspired and will get a chance to get their questions answered on basic astronomy-related concepts during these visits. At the end of the program/event, the team hands over a set of Info-graphics posters in Kannada and a moon activity log sheet to encourage the students. Also, the outreach team meets the HM/Principal of the Schools to inform them about the upcoming planetarium in Mysuru.
Work with Colleges in Mysuru and Surroundings
Considering the need for Astronomy and Astrophysics at the College level and owing to the fact of absence of the same, the outreach team of COSMOS Mysuru has taken the initiative to reach out to students at the College level. Initially, a series of lectures were held in the Department of Studies in Physics, University of Mysuru to provide the basement for Astronomy concepts which were later followed by a short series of lectures on specific topics including hands-on sessions. The topics of these lecture series include Physics behind Stars, Theoretical Astrophysics, Data Analysis and Experimental Techniques. Recently, an Astronomy Radio Program titled “Nakshatravani” (in association with Radio Manasa of UoM) has been started to bring the latest developments in the field of Astronomy and Astrophysics to the students.
The outreach team has also visited P.U. (+12) Colleges for lectures and citizen science programs, which will often include a short session on opportunities in basic sciences including Astronomy and Astrophysics.
