Being Global: The World at Your Front

-By Rishi Shah and Suresh Bhattarai Throughout human history and across many different cultures, extraordinary names from mythical fables have been associated with distinguished star patterns of various shapes and sizes. Known commonly as constellations, they are seen magnificently all over the night sky. The current 88 constellations as recognised by the apex institution, the International Astronomical Union (IAU), are based on what was historically suggested by veteran Greek-Egyptian mathematician-cum-astronomer Claudius Ptolemy (circa 90-168 AD). He had propounded the geocentric model of the Solar System and eventually of the universe in 150 AD, which was accepted by the society until the heliocentric model was proposed by Polish astronomer Nicolous Copernicus in 1543. In about 500 AD, Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhatta had already divulged an ingenious notion of the heliocentric Solar System independently. Among the constellations, the 12 zodiac manifestations bear spec...

Finally, a report on TWAN activities in collaboation with Nepal Astronomical Society(NASO) is out now. Here are the some glimpses of the collaborative work of TWAN and NASO in Nepal during November 2009. You can find more news on the follwing links: http://www.twanight.org/newTWAN/news_photo.asp?newsID=6044 http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/688/ http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/wires?id=138601022&c=y We would like to thank Babak tafreshi and Oshin Zakarian to visit Nepal in our invitation to make these successful movements regarding astronomical outreach in Nepal. WE can not forgot the team of Acquainted WIth The Nights from Markham Street Film Company, Canada who have travelled such a long distance to film NASO/TWAN and AWB activities in Nepal as NASO is an affiliate of AWB since the beginning.Keep updated with our upcoming events through our blogs :-)

An observational programme was held today in the Central department of physics of Tribhuvan University, Nepal by Nepal Astronomical Society. Though the climate was quite disappointing in the previous day, it swaggered the following day. The programme continued for five long hours from 3pm to 8pm. During day time, Sun was shown using solar filter in telescope. There was a long queue of observers for observing the awe-inspiring Sun. They were thrilled to see the Sunspots. Professors and lecturers of Tribhuvan University also participated in observation including the HOD of Physics, Prof. Dr. Lok Narayan Jha. Followed by the sun observation, a brief introduction to evening celestial bodies and constellation was given including a brief insight to the global astronomy month, GAM2010 to be held in this April globally. As the Sun disappeared in the horizon and night sky slowly began to spread its beauty, the red planet was shown followed by the blue star- Sirius, the Orion nebula and other ce...

-By Rishi Shah The alluring beauty of major planets, enchanting magnificence of arcane galaxies and nebulae along with mysterious entities of the heavens can be relished this month. As it gets dark, the entire sky comes alive with twinkling stars that sketch gorgeous constellations of different sizes and shapes resembling various unique objects. The zodiacal constellations of Pisces (fishes), Aries (ram), Taurus (ram), Gemini (twins), Cancer (crab) and Leo (lion) are unfurling fascinatingly across the sky from western to eastern horizon. Pentagon-alike constellation Auriga (charioteer) is dominating the evening sky with its bright star Capella (Brahma Ridaya) that is roughly fourty three light-years away. Perseus (legendary person) and Andromeda (chained princess) are drifting towards northwestern sky. Ancient constellation Auriga is teeming with fulgent star clusters and exquisite nebulae. It houses remarkable open star clusters M36, M37 and M38, emission nebula IC410 with intriguing ...

An observational programme was arranged by Nepal Astronomical Society (NASO) on the premises of H.B. complex, Lalitpur on 29th January, 201o from 6:30pm to 9:00pm. The date was chosen as the opposition of Mars. A part from the beauty of Mars, people also enjoyed the marvelous moon, orion nebula, pleides and other celestial bodies. Overall, "Hello Red Planet" in Nepal was a success.