A CELESTIAL ESCAPADE

Most often hobbies begin with just a bit of curiosity, and fortunately, many a times these small interests go on to become a passionate hobby. When you spot that delightful bird in your backyard which you may not have noticed earlier, you are eager to learn more and soon find that bird-watching can be an interesting activity. Similarly, if you like capturing a moment in a frame you will soon realize photography is where your heart lies. Most of us watch the moon and stars in the sky, but perhaps not with a keen interest, but there are a few who consider star gazing a worthwhile pursuit. Picture this, a lovely night sky spread out like a beautiful blanket studded with diamond like twinkling stars. For beginners the sheer beauty of the night might capture you but if you want to really discover the true nature of the sky you can go beyond mere gazing. With a little persistence and a guide book, star gazing can become a fulfilling pastime. Life in the city doesn’t hamper the enthusiasm of people who love to peer into the night sky. “It’s a wonderful way to relax after a hectic day at work,” says Anjana, a banking consultant.

You may tend to associate star gazing with a telescope, but you'll need that only when you graduate deeper into the hobby. The naked eye is enough to spot stars and enjoy the view. If you feel the need to know how the stars are placed and what they are called then a simple a guide book or star charts can be purchased to help you identify constellations and planets. The star charts are nothing but sky maps that locate stars. The stars are in fixed positions and are in relation to one another, hence they can be mapped. Astronomers have grouped stars into constellations and these patterns are documented. The most familiar constellation, which many of us know from our school textbook, is the Great Bear or the Ursa Major. When you join the seven stars to form a ladle in the sky, you get this constellation, which is also called the Big Dipper. There is a Greek myth attached to the formation of this constellation. It states that Zeus, the king of Gods, fell in love with virgin huntress Callisto and she gave birth to his child, Arcas. Hera, wife of Zeus, became intensely jealous and changed Callisto into a bear. One day Arcas was hunting and, not knowing the bear was his mother, shot an arrow towards Callisto. Zeus saved her and tossed her into the heavens. And that’s how ‘The Great Bear’ constellation was formed. In Hindu astronomy the Ursa Major is called ‘Saptarshi’; it is named after the seven sages, namely Atri, Bharadvaja, Gautam, Jamadagni, Kashyapa, Vasishta, Vishwamitra. Once you locate this magnificent constellation, your star chart will further guide you on how to locate the Polaris or the Pole star in the North.
There is a lot of written material available on stargazing and for those who have more than a passing interest on the subject; they can make use of it. Most local libraries are well supplied with hard cover books that would certainly fill the pallet of the least dedicated stargazing enthusiast. With the internet, you can search virtually every aspect of the science of astronomy. Something that begins as a past-time can go on to becoming a daily obsession. “I like sitting up at night and listening to music, so I decided to go up to my terrace one night, I loved the way the night looked that night. I keep going since not to while away time but to enjoy the night sky,” says Biren, a medical student.
Once you realize you are an ardent fan of start gazing you can go and pick up books, relevant material and if your pocket allows it buy a reasonable star gazing equipment to spot the stars better. Whatever amount you decide to invest in your first celestial escapade, it will be well worth it and you will surely get back your full investment from the endless pleasure you will derive from its relaxing effects. You can also join a local observation group, because it is a hobby that is soon catching up. “When I joined the Meteor watch team in my college, I had no idea that there were a lot of other people interested in star gazing. It is great to have friends who share your passion. We meet every fortnight and also on nights when there is a cosmic event like an eclipse and comets,” says Pavan, a mechanical engineering student.
For those Chennaiites interested in stars and astronomy the Birla Planetarium in Kotturpuram offers an ethereal experience. One visit to the planetarium and you are sure to hold your breath as the cosmic world revolves around you – twinkling stars, shooting meteoroids, the rotating solar system all in harmony making up our spectacular world. “I took my kids to the planetarium thinking they will enjoy and learn something at the same time. But, at the end of the show I was so amazed by what I saw, it was so beautiful, I think I had more fun,” says Kalyani, a working parent of two.
Stars and the night sky have always fascinated man. Some of the most loved songs feature them; also movies constantly use the night sky as a natural setting for a romantic scene. What is it that attracts man to the stars and night sky so much? Perhaps it’s the mystery attached to them or the sheer brilliance of nature.
Of course for the city-dwellers, the street lights and the pollution in the air makes it very difficult to see. But if you get a chance to set out of the city, to some countryside or a farm house over the weekend, you must take in the night sky. Away from throbbing city lights, the night sky puts up a star-studded show for you to see. Initially, the sky seems like a crowded canvas of dots, too closely clustered and you may actually wonder what star gazing is all about. Then slowly you will see the beauty of the night sky and feel transported to an enchanting world. Star gazing is not simply about lying down on the grass and looking at them, it is that and much more.
An undiscovered world of stories awaits you in the sky. For centuries, people have seen these same points of light in the night sky. But, they have come to different conclusions and joined the dots to form patterns and shapes. So the next time you have a little time to yourself in the night try going up to your terrace and peering at the vast expanse of beauty spread out for you. Star gazing is fun, easy and cheap all you need is a clear night, a little patience, and some imagination.

( An article I submitted for my Journalism project last semester, sort of liked this one thought I will share it )