Title of the Activity: Achievement in the Indian Astronomical Instruments Competition

Day and Date: Not specified in the document

Resource Person: Prof. V. S. Raote and Prof. Prakhar Khardekar: Mentors

Description: A team of First-Year B.Tech students from the institute participated in the Indian Astronomical Instruments Competition, organised by the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division, Ministry of Education, Government of India. The team secured Consolation Prize II with a cash prize of ₹5,000 and was subsequently invited to present their work at an international conference held in Ujjain. The team comprised Vinaya Pawar, Jagruti Rakesh Shewale, Pratiksha Phand, Kalyani Dixit and Tejasvi Bangar. The initiative received guidance and encouragement from the Principal, Prof. Dr. (Mrs.) Kalyani R. Joshi.

Title of the Activity: School on Optical Astronomy Techniques (SOAT-2026)

Day and Date: Not specified in the document

Resource Person: Eminent scientists and researchers in the field of space sciences at IUCAA

Description: Aditya Nagare, one of the student coordinators of the club, was selected for the prestigious and competitive School on Optical Astronomy Techniques (SOAT-2026), organised by IUCAA. The programme provided exposure to fundamental concepts in astronomy and astrophysics, recent advancements in space science research, and practical optical and observational techniques. Participants gained hands-on experience in data acquisition, processing, analysis and interpretation. The programme also facilitated interaction with eminent scientists and researchers, encouraging participants to explore research opportunities in astronomy and astrophysics. Aditya and his team also presented their work on Solar Limb Darkening Co-efficient Calculation using data analysis of solar images captured by the team.

Title of the Activity: First Custom Telescope of the Club – Saraswati

Day and Date: Not specified in the document

Resource Person: Educators and researchers at IUCAA, Pune

Description: Club members, with guidance from educators and researchers at IUCAA, Pune, constructed the institution's first self-made Newtonian-type reflector telescope, named Saraswati. The telescope has an aperture of 6 inches, with an 8-inch telescope planned as the next project. The project provided students with practical experience in telescope construction and astronomical instrumentation. The completed Saraswati Telescope was subsequently used for observational activities conducted by the club.

Title of the Activity: Stargazing Session – 2025

Day and Date: Not specified in the document

Resource Person: Yash Gaekwad, Aditya Nagare and Shrishailya Keskar; supported by Prof. Vrinda Raote, Prof. Soumya Palimar and Prof. Prakhar Khardekar

Description: The club organised a stargazing session that began with introductory talks on the fundamentals of astronomy and astrophysics, celestial concepts and observational techniques. Participants were introduced to the newly constructed Saraswati Telescope developed by the club. During the observational session, participants explored the night sky and observed the Moon, Jupiter and its four Galilean moons, several constellations and bright stars. The activity provided participants with practical exposure to observational astronomy and generated significant interest in the field.

Title of the Activity: IUCAA Visit on National Science Day – 2024

Day and Date: Not specified in the document

Resource Person: Researchers at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA)

Description: The Ṛtaṃ Club, formerly the MCOE Astronomy Club, organised an educational visit to the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) with the support of the institution. The visit was open to both club members and non-members and provided participants with firsthand exposure to astronomy and astrophysics, opportunities to interact with researchers, and insights into developments in astronomical research and space science. The visit received positive feedback and encouraged students to explore interdisciplinary opportunities in astronomy, astrophysics and space technology.