The D-Day had arrived and the moon did what it promised to do. With the clouds obstructing the Sun for a whole week, it was really a celebration as the clouds cleared on “The Day” we were all waiting for. A rainbow shined amidst the clouds in the morning giving us an sign from nature that it was a moment of rejoice.
The skies cleared just before the eclipse and the celebration began.
One moment we were preparing for the eclipse, the clock ticking towards 08:04am and out of nowhere, people had gathered.
We were ready for the moon to do his job. With 7 telescopes pointed at the Sun, hundreds of filtered eyes gazing at the dimmed down sunlight, and all the cameras waiting to capture the first contact, the eclipse did occur.
An LED screen was also set up for the crowd to view the eclipse and celebrate together.
The campus was packed with people.
Telescopes following the sun and the moonAdding to the fleet of telescopes, were cameras by photography enthusiasts and students, catching a glimpse of the photobombing moon.
The members of the media also joined us and covered the event from PPC!
When the eclipse peaked, everyone was elated.
And after Luna did her best, it was the moment for further celebration. The Amateur Astronomer, a manual with 5 years astronomical data and tips was released by our guests.
The guests shared their views and joy with the crowd on the occasion.
Thanks was due to Dr. A.P Bhat. The man who made it possible for 1000 schools across Karnataka to view the eclipse. He was felicitated by the Physics department through the hands of our dignitaries for his wonderful efforts.
And when the Moon did his job, we made sure the public got more than what they came for, through a Talk on India in Space by Mr. P.J Bhat himself.
It was a day of celebration at PPC, with the grand conclusion to the vision of Dr. A.P Bhat who envisioned 1000 schools and over a lakh students across the state viewing the annular eclipse. While many institutions and clubs watched the eclipse, it was his dream to celebrate this eclipse and celebrate we did. Mrs. Niveditha B.K., Dy. Director, HR Policy and Management at ISRO and Mr. P.J. Bhat, Dy. Director (Retd.) URSC ISRO, were the guests who commended our efforts and were not just the guests but also truly a part of our celebration.
Students, Members of Public and Media had a great time throughout the eclipse talking to scientists, visiting various science models and exhibition by various departments and students of PPC.
Students of PAAC, Members of Physics Department and all other staff members put in great efforts in making this event happen, and all joined hands with Luna to make it a great day for all of us.
Overall, it was a great way to end the year at PPC.
