Jyotirvidya Parisanstha (known as JVP to people of Pune, India and to most of the Indian amateur astronomers) is an association of amateur astronomers and a non-profit organization. On August 22, 1944 some eminent citizens of Pune formed JVP, primarily to spread the knowledge of astronomy among the public and also to make their own contribution as far as possible. It was the first association of its kind and remained so far for a few decades. Right from conception, JVP has been actively working for the propagation of astronomy in purely scientific temperament. JVP is the first Amateur Association to Host the ALL INDIA AMATEUR ASTRONOMERS MEET in 1991 and the first All India Messier Marathon in 2012.

Outreach Programs arranged by JVP:

• Star Party: Every month on a Saturday near the new moon, JVP organises an over-night star party outside the city of Pune around 30 km from the city. The program contains naked eye star gazing, telescopic viewing of moon, planets, nebulae, galaxies; slide shows; astro-games, etc.
• Astro-events: On the occasion of special events like solar and lunar eclipses; transits; oppositions of planets like Mars, Jupiter, Saturn; etc. free public programs are organized in the city of Pune.
• Lectures: Public lectures of scientists from IUCAA, GMRT or other scientists visiting Pune are organized.
• Basic Astronomy Course: Every year in the month of May, a course of around 20 days is arranged which covers lectures on basic topics in astronomy like solar system, stars and galaxies, telescopes, radio astronomy, comets and meteors, eclipses, primary mathematics in astronomy, astrophotography, etc. One observational and practical session at a dark site is also arranged for the participants.
• Astronomical Study Tours: Visits to important astronomical sites near Pune are arranged which include: Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope (GMRT), IUCAA Girawali Observatory (IGO), Lonar Meteoritic Crater, Nehru Planetarium, etc.
• Astronomical Exhibitions: JVP organizes exhibitions based on astronomical themes frequently.
• Publications: JVP intermittently publishes books and monographs on subjects related to astronomy.
  

  Programs for members:

  • JVP members are working on different serious observational projects at the observation facility of JVP.
  • Various groups work in JVP like astrophotography, meteor observation group, deep sky observing group, occultation observing group, etc. The observations are recognised by International centres for these observations like IMO and IOTA, etc. Few of the photographs are also published in reputed international journals like Sky & Telescope.
  • Messier marathon and many such astronomical events are carried out by the members.
  • Guidance is provided to members to make their own telescope.
  • Guidance is provided to students participating in astronomy olympiad.

  • Facilities available at JVP:

    • Library of JVP boasts some very old and rare books as well as books and magazines giving latest and up to date information on astronomy.
    • JVP has a number of small telescopes for the beginners and operates a telescope library for members.
    • JVP has set up observing station with a number of instruments.