Akashmitra
Clubs/Astronomical societies
National Institute of Ophthalmology
1187/30 Off Ghole Road
Near ICICI ATM Center
Shivaji Nagar,
Pune, Maharashtra 411005
India
The name Akashmitra is made by joining two words ò?? Akash meaning The Sky and Mitra ò?? meaning friend. Therefore, Akashmitra literarily means Friends of Sky but it implies as an association of amateur astronomers.
Akashmitra is a typical amateur astronomer association, with all the standard programmes ò?? weekly meetings, library, star parties for general public and special star parties for the members, doing meteor shower observations, occultations and so on.
Many members have home made 6 to 8 inch telescope. Members of the association has an unlimited access to an 8 inch Schmidt.
Weekly meetings - on every Thursday at 6:45 p.m. normal attendance varies between 30 and 40. The agenda of the meeting is a lecture by an experience member of the club. Junior members are also encouraged to give seminar. We also invite professional astronomers to give lectures. Normally the schedule is announced well in advance and is available at the web site given below.
Library - has a good collection of books and magazin
Pune, though one of the old and historical cities of India, is still a developing city. Driving instructions could become misleading of one finds in trap of one-ways or road block. Best would be to visit the web site of the club for the latest information or send email.
Dr Shreekant Kelkar, Director of National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO) and amateur astronomer himself has kindly provided 4th Floor lecture for the activities of Akashmitra.
NIO is located in the central part of the city (and thus seriously affected by light pollution).
This place is quite close to Mahatma Phule Museum on Ghole Road and known as Dr Kelkarò??s eye hospital. A new and now better known landmark is ICICI Bank. However, from a distant location ò?? the first point to reach is the Balgandharva Rangamandir (or Drama Theater).
On can ask for the direction by calling reception of the Institute (020) 25536369.
One may send email to Mr Arvind Paranjpye (arp@iucaa.ernet.in)
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