Vivruti Simplifying Science

The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) is a special place created by The National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) for studying space using radio waves. It is located about 80 km north of Pune, India. The GMRT has 30 large dish antennas, each 45 meters wide, spread out over a distance of up to 25 km. Indian scientists and engineers worked hard on this challenging project in the field of science. It was conceived and built under the direction of Late Prof. Govind Swarup during 1984 to 1996. It was recently upgraded with new receivers, after which it is also known as the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (uGMRT). They chose to study radio waves with wavelengths in the metre range because there is less man-made radio interference in India at these wavelengths. No other large facility in the world focuses on studying space using these wavelengths. The GMRT was carefully built at a site that had low man-made radio noise, good communication, and nearby infrastructure like industries and schools. It is located in a place where the Earth's magnetic field is calm, allowing for better observations of the sky. The antennas in the GMRT were arranged in a specific way to help scientists achieve their goals. Some antennas are placed randomly close together in a small area, while others are spread out in a larger 'Y' shape. By combining signals from different antennas, the GMRT can create detailed images of space objects, as if it had a gigantic dish 25 kilometers wide. The GMRT operates in different frequency bands, ranging from low to high, and it can measure two types of radio waves. This helps scientists gather a lot of information about space. The GMRT can capture fine details in space, from large objects to small ones, depending on the frequency used.

Dr Vikram Sarabhai was the visionary Father of Indian Space Program. He was probably the greatest institution builder India has ever produced. It is difficult to believe that one man in his short life can build more than a dozen world class institutes in such diverse fields like space (PRL, ISRO), mangament (IIMA), science (Community Science Center), nuclear (DAE Chairman), arts & dance (DARPAN Academy), textiles (ATIRA), chemicals etc. He clear vision and leadership abilities is primarily responsible for what ISRO is today. Sarabhai was awarded two of India’s highest honours, the Padma Bhushan (1966) and the Padma Vibhushan (awarded posthumously in 1972).

Students will learn all aspects of satellite design like: Deciding satellite mission Selecting various sensors for the mission Integrating and testing the components Preparing for launch Viewing and analyzing the satellite data Students will also learn presentation and public speaking skills as they will be encouraged to make a presentation of their project in their school. This way the other students who could not participate in the program will also get introduced to space science and space engineering.

Although the talks will be extempore and will change depending on the audience, the following are some of the subtopics that may be covered in the Space Talks: Stargazing to Starships – understanding what is Science based on how we learned to build satellites, rockets and eventually starships simply by observing the sky with our eyes and using a little imagination. Introduction to Satellites and Rockets - what is a satellite, what makes a satellite go around, how a satellite is sent to Moon or Mars or even outside the Solar System. Telescope and Night Sky – telescope as time machine, how telescopes changed our understanding of the Universe, black holes, exo-planets, sky observations, meteor showers, Stellarium and SkyMap App Satellites and their Role in our Daily Life – Why space exploration, saving lives and entertaining everyone, can we survive without satellites even for one day? Human Settlement in Space – why leave Earth, terraforming Mars, suitable planets for life, advanced rocket engines, self driven 100-year-spaceships, hibernation, advanced human beings, robotics, AI and nanotechnology A Day on the Space Station – how astronauts live, eat, sleep, work, exercise and keep in touch with family Astronomy for Fun – motion of the Earth and planets, where does sun rise everyday, phases of Venus, how to spot the ISS from your home, shape of moon from different cities, Jupiter and its moons, why Saturn has rings

General Terms and Conditions: The WeMoSat program is open to educational institutes. Students from 7th standard onwards are eligible. The program will be of two days having two sessions each of approximately 3 hours. The medium of instruction will be English, Marathi, Hindi or Gujarati. Students will be clubbed into small groups during practical sessions and they will build one satellite per group as a team. This is deliberately done to impart training on how to work in a team. The group will be of 5 or 6 students depending on the total number of participants. Each group will get one WeMoSat kit for satellite making during the workshop. This kit is to be returned in working condition without any physical damage after the workshop. The kit is available for purchase at a nominal cost of 1500 Rs per kit. The participants may take advantage of this offer to purchase the kit to try various projects at their homes. The WeMoSat program cost per participant: For 100 participants: Rs. 1500 (including 18% GST) For 200 participants: Rs. 1250 (including 18% GST) For 300 participants: Rs. 1000 (including 18% GST) Payment terms: 100% advance payment of participant's amount The host institute will bear Travel and stay arrangements/expenses. This is in addition to above-mentioned program amount and has to be paid once the program schedule is confirmed. Program arrangements: The school requesting the program has to host the program and make all arrangements for conducting the same in a smooth manner. Some of the requirements are: A classroom with a projector will be required for the theory session. A large hall or classroom for the practical sessions One laptop/desktop per group with a high-speed internet connection. Minimum three teachers from school to be present during the entire program to maintain discipline.