landscape

Milky Way

telescope

breakfast

Nile

It takes over an hour to reach Nasrapur, a small village near Bhor Taluka. Thethere is overrun with greenery, and it grows quieter as you approach the hamlet. Nasrapur is also free of air and noise pollution. For all these reasons and more, Rohan Ratnapal, founder of Rivers and Ridges, a travel company, has put together a stargazing gathering at a campsite in Nasrapur, next month.The stargazing camp is specifically intended for parents and children who wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Nasrapur, with its resplendent greenery, promises to be the perfect destination for weekenders. What’s more, the village is very near to the city. “It feels like you have reached somewhere far away upon reaching Nasrapur,” says Ratnapal.Ratnapal has roped in amateur astronomers to explain the wonders of the universe. The stargazing session will begin at 7 pm, once the telescopes are assembled. “It is going to be an intense night, as the astronomers have many interesting information to share about stars and galaxies,” adds Ratnapal. However, if anyone feels tired, they are free to catch a nap, as the tents will be ready for use.The event is divided into five segments. Fascinating facts about stars, planets and constellations, backed with scientific data, will be shared. “You will definitely get to see theat 4 am with the naked eye. Of course, it’s way clearer from Ladakh and Leh, but the galaxy appears like a thin line of dust in the sky from Nasrapur,” adds Ratnapal. After the sky show, thesession will start. When you observe the moon with a telescope, it looks stunning.Besides the moon, planets such as Saturn and Mars and deep-sky objects, like the Orion Nebula and the Beehive Cluster, can be observed with a telescope. The astronomers will also teach participants how to use free planetarium software, which can be accessed on laptops, tablets or smartphones. That, and a show entitled astro-antakshari, will surely keep stargazers occupied throughout the night.The stargazing session is going to be interactive, says Ratnapal. The cost of the trip will cover evening tea and snacks, as well as. “Snacks like Maggi and biscuits are popular,” he shares. Packaged drinking water will be provided throughout the trip. Tour guides and camp leaders will be around for assistance. Medical assistance will be made available as well.BlueRestaurant, Agarkar Nagar (meeting point)March 9 –10, 3.30 pmRs 2, 625 per head (including GST)7350064943