Member Reports

Member Reports from NCAS

Dec 29

2019

Annular Solar Eclipse 2019 Island-wide Project by NCAS

Nalanda College Astronomical Society (NCAS) and Nalanda College Alumni Astronomical Society (NCAAS) organized an island-wide project for the 2019 December 26 Annular Solar Eclipse, which included carrying out 6 observation events, and distributing solar eclipse observation glasses. A crew that included 22 members went to Jaffna Kaddaikadu Roman Catholic Tamil Mixed School to witness the annular solar eclipse and a crew of 10 members went to St. Joseph's College Anuradhapura. A small crew of three members went to Kanthale Central College to acquire data for research that will be conducted with the Arthur C. Clarke Institute. Another observation camp was... Read More...

Nov 07

2019

Dodangoda Miriswatta National School Solar Observation Camp 2019

NCAS

Nalanda College Astronomical Society (NCAS) and Nalanda College Alumni Astronomical Society (NCAAS) conducted a sun observation camp at Dodangoda Miriswatta National School, Kalutara, Sri Lanka. It was held on 25th October 2019. First an Introduction lecture was done about Astronomy. Further lectures were carried out on telescopes and how to use a telescope to observe the sun. Subsequently the students were given the opportunity to observe the sun. They were also shown some videos regarding astronomy with a complete explanation on them. Finally they were guided by the members of the NCAS and NCAAS to do the fun activity called... Read More...

Apr 13

2019

Lumbini College Night Sky Observation Camp 2019

NCAS

To celebrate the Global Astronomy Month (GAM) and also the Moon Landing Anniversary, Nalanda College Astronomical Society (NCAS) and Nalanda College Alumni Astronomical Society (NCAAS) conducted a night sky observation camp for students from grade 6 to 11 at Lumbini College, Colombo, Sri Lanka. This is the 350th night sky observation camp conducted by NCAS and NCAAS. We shared our astronomical knowledge with participants by giving talks on different fields of astronomy with greater emphasis on the value of dark skies and how to reduce light pollution. Astronomical booklets were handed over to the students, which was a successful BIG... Read More...

Mar 23

2019

Galahitiyawa Central College Night Sky Observation Camp 2019

NCAS

Nalanda College Astronomical Society (NCAS) and Nalanda College Alumni Astronomical Society (NCAAS) conducted its 349th night sky observation camp in Galahitiyawa Central College, Ganemulla, Srilanka. There were about 350 participants. Though the sky condition was no good at the start, it improved in the due course of the camp. Students were able to see moon and we guide them to map it. The students got the chance to observe Jupiter, Saturn and Venus. Furthermore, several deep sky objects including the butterfly cluster, lagoon nebula, M76, jewel box cluster, ptolomy cluster, alcor mizar star system were also observed. Apart from the... Read More...

Mar 23

2019

Kottawa Dharmapala College Night Sky Observation Camp 2019

NCAS

On 8th March 2019 Nalanda College Astronomical Society (NCAS) and Nalanda College Alumni Astronomical Society (NCAAS) conducted the 348th nigh sky observation camp at Dharmapala College Kottawa, Sri Lanka. Some lectures were given by members of our two societies (NCAS & NCAAS). The usual moon observations were not carried out since it was the new moon. However the lack of moonlight helped the participants to observe planets Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Venus and some Deep Sky objects including the Orion Nebula, butterfly cluster, lagoon nebula, jewel box cluster and the ptolomy cluster. Several group activities and lectures on "Introduction to Astronomy",... Read More...

Feb 27

2019

Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya Annual Night Sky Observation Camp 2019

NCAS

Nalanda College Astronomical Society (NCAS) and Nalanda College Alumni Astronomical Society (NCAAS) conducted its 347th night sky observation camp at Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya on 22nd of February 2019. More than 250 students, teachers and parents participated for this event. Nalanda College has partnered with Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya in conducting events in the field of astronomy since 1999, and this year commorates its 20th anniversary. The night camp started in a celebratory manner by having a small ceramony to commorate the 20th anniversary with the participation of the principal, teachers, students and Alumni of both schools. Afterwards lectures on observation astronomy,... Read More...

May 10

2018

Astronomy outreach for students in rural village Ilipangamuwa - Sri Lanka

NCAS

A night sky observation event was held at Ilipangamuwa school, which is situated a rural village in Kegalle district - Sri Lanka, with the participation of about 100 Students, their teachers, parents and the community in the area. This was a joint project by Nalnda College Astronomical Society and the Rotaract Club of Faculty of Science - University of Colombo. The camp was held on 27.04.2018. Read More...

May 10

2018