The night sky is best observed from localities where fireflies abound because light pollution tends to be less there, astronomers say.
Urban glow caused due to excess artificial illumination is a major problem for astronomers as it hides most celestial objects. Fireflies also shun excess and constant radiance that wrecks their natural lifecycle. Therefore, for most astronomers, spots where fireflies thrive are invariably ideal localities to observe the heavens unsullied by light emanating from the ground.
Sometime next week, a group of hobbyists, all members of the Amateur Astronomers Organisation, Kerala, will set out with their telescopes and digital cameras to such remote parts in Kerala and Tamil Nadu to observe and record a set of rare celestial events scheduled to unfold over the next two months.
Space Department scientist and avid stargazer, Kiran Mohan, 26, says the astronomer’s calendar has been full of major celestial events this year. The Super Moon (when the moon’s orbit comes closest to that of the earth making the satellite appear larger) and Persied meteor shower is just over.
Upcoming events include the conjunction of Venus and Jupiter on August 18 and conjunction of Mars and Saturn on August 25. Astronomers say conjunctions are “rare events” when two or more celestial objects appear extremely close to each other in the night sky.
The association is keen on taking astronomy to the masses by teaming up with schools and neighbourhood groups. Its members initially use detailed star maps to teach residents to spot and identify constellations with the naked eye, chiefly the zodiac and sometimes the Andromeda galaxy when it can be spotted in the western sky during January evenings.
Novices will also be instructed in the use of telescopes to observe deep space objects such as nebulae, star clusters and distant galaxies.
The association also creates awareness against light pollution to enable the public to appreciate the beauty and immensity of the night sky. Astronomers have campaigned against artificial illumination of beaches at night, particularly with sodium lamps. Its senior members include Krishna Warrier, Vaisakhan Thampi and Nizam. The association can be contacted at aastro.org.
