Pune residents are in for a celestial treat as Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Neptune, and Saturn align across the horizon from late January into February. This planetary alignment offers an extraordinary opportunity for stargazing, and several local astronomy clubs are stepping up to make the experience memorable for enthusiasts.
Kesariwada Jyotirvidya Observatory
The Jyotirvidya Parisanstha (JVP), Pune’s oldest amateur astronomy association, is hosting a stargazing event at Kesariwada Jyotirvidya Observatory on January 25. The event kicks off in the evening, timed perfectly for optimal visibility.
“The planetary alignment will be clearly visible in the evening, making it ideal for stargazing,” said Aniruddha Deshpande, JVP’s vice-president. To manage the expected high turnout, JVP has organized a week-long observation schedule for registered attendees.
Sinhagad Road
The Amateur Astronomers Group Pune, known for promoting astronomy awareness, is hosting another event on Sinhagad Road.
Aditya Joshi, a software engineer and co-founder of the group, highlighted the importance of demystifying planetary alignments. “Reels and visuals on social media often exaggerate the phenomena. In reality, the planets appear in an arc form,” he explained.
The event will include telescope viewings of star clusters and nebulae, alongside a guided introduction to the basics of astronomy. “This is about inspiring and educating people, not just watching the planets,” Joshi added.
Gypsy Soul Campground, Panshet Dam
AXSX (Aeronautics and Space Exploration), an organization specializing in space education, is hosting a stargazing event at the Gypsy Soul Campground near Panshet Dam.
AXSX founder and director Kailash Delelkar emphasized the unique visibility of this year’s alignment. “While planetary alignments aren’t rare, this year the planets are much more visible,” he said. With over 15 board members and 30 volunteers, AXSX has been fostering astronomical education in Pune since its inception in 2017.
Nisargshala Campground, Pasali Village
At the Nisargshala Campground, Hemant Vavale, the founder, is blending nature and astronomy in their stargazing events.
“By nightfall, the four planets are visible to the naked eye, appearing even closer together,” Vavale said. He noted that Saturn will set first in the west, while Mars will remain visible until about 2 a.m. Vavale recommends January 25 and February 1 as the best viewing dates due to minimal light pollution.
Nisargshala expects around 40 to 50 families to attend their events in Pasali village, offering an intimate and enriching experience.
Naneghat, Ghatghar Camp
The Amateur Astronomy Club is organizing a paid stargazing event on February 1 at Naneghat, Ghatghar Camp.
Krushi Parekh, a board member with years of experience in organizing astronomy camps across Pune, Thane, and Mumbai, clarified the science behind the event. “It’s not possible for planets to align in a perfectly straight line; it’s more of a visual alignment, commonly referred to as a planetary parade,”
“It’s not possible for planets to align in a perfectly straight line; it’s more of a visual alignment, commonly referred to as a planetary parade,”
Parekh explained.
A Shared Passion for the Cosmos
Despite their unique approaches, Pune’s stargazing clubs share a common mission: to foster public interest in astronomy. From planetary parades to star clusters and nebulae, the night sky promises a breathtaking spectacle for all, making late January and February an unmissable time for stargazing enthusiasts in Pune.
