TFDC hosts stargazing camp at Hyderabad’s Chilkur forest
Hyderabad: In a bid to enhance our awareness of the universe, the Telangana Forest Development Corporation (TFDC) organised a star-gazing camp on Sunday evening. The Manchirevula forest trek park, nestled in the Chilkur Reserve Forest near Hyderabad, acted as the perfect natural setting for the stargazers to look up at the stars and objects in space.
A group of 40 stargazing enthusiasts from different parts of the city attended the camp which was organised as part of TFDC’s ecotourism initiative. The viewing session was held from 5 pm to 10 pm, offering participants an immersive experience in both forest exploration and night sky observation through the three telescopes provided at the location.
The evening was kicked off by Forest Range Officer Srinivas, Project Manager Suman, and Head Naturalist Akhil with a guided trek for the participants. The young enthusiasts were given a tour of the park on a nature trail through the park’s hills, showcasing prehistoric rock art believed to date back to the Mesolithic Age. During the trek, the experts explained the historical significance of the rock paintings and the unique biodiversity of the region.
The star-gazing session began as soon as the sun set. The enthusiasts explored the celestial formations using the high-powered telescopes installed at the location. They were introduced to constellations and star clusters such as Rohini, Mrigashira, Aja Mukha, Punarvasu, Shishya Shiroja, Hasta, Swati, and Vashishta. Organisers also discussed the complex celestial movements and the cultural interpretations of stars across Hindu and other civilizations.
Sparking on the occasion, L Ranjeet Naik, Executive Director of Eco-Tourism emphasised that the forest trek park is an ideal location for such events considering its natural serenity and low light pollution.
“This isn’t just about viewing stars through telescopes. It’s about understanding the science of the universe, the stories of our planets and constellations, and how ancient cultures studied the night sky. It’s a unique and enriching experience that connects people with both nature and astronomy,” Naik said.
