Current Events @TASS

 (TASS - Federation of all Astro Clubs in Tamil Nadu)

We are functioning throughout Tamil Nadu with a motto of “To inculcate Scientific Temperament among the public through Astronomy.”

Genesis:

In early 2017, Trichy Astro Club was started to create awareness about astronomy in schools and colleges in Tiruchirappalli District. Rapidly it created awareness among the public and students about the wonders of astronomy through a live session of natural phenomena such as Solar Eclipse, Lunar Eclipse, Jupiter Conjunction, etc. Based on these experiences, in the first instance, we started such clubs in Coimbatore, Villupuram, Chennai, Salem, Madurai, Cuddalore, Tiruvallur, etc. to establish programs related to scientific astronomy.

Then we started an organization called Tamil Nadu Astronomy & Science Society (TASS) in 2021 to coordinate these district Astro clubs and have been continuously conducting science and astronomy-related activities at various places in Tamil Nadu. 

Since its inception, TASS has done various remarkable works for students and the public. Many people who are interested in science communication and students who are interested to learn new things in science that includes astronomy have joined this organization. Additionally, we developed and promoted astronomy through some of the platforms such as ‘Puthiya Vaanavil’- an in-house monthly magazine, Facebook Page, TASS YouTube Channel, TASS FM Online Radio, and other social media.

We have been conducting a state-wide Mass outreach programme viz. Sooriya Pongal- a Pongal Greetings Card popularising the facts about SUN, Star gazing event in the name of “Star Party 2023” – India’s first-ever event, “Nila Thiruvizha” and so on. Also, we conducting periodical online Popular Lectures on Cosmic events viz. Occultation, Conjunction, and Transit of planets, Comets, Asteroids, etc. Also conduct astronomy workshops/ events for school/ college students along with Vigyan Prasar, DST/ GoI, ‘Ariviyal Palagai’ – a Tamil wing of Vigyan Prasar, Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)/ DST, and Tamil Nadu Science & Technology Centre (TNSTC), Chennai and School Education Department, GoTN as a joint initiative programmes.

Projects in progress: 

Now we are conducting “1000 Idangalil Astronomy” - 2-month statewide campaign in Tamil Nadu to popularise astronomy among the public and students from July 20th2023 to October 10th 2023 of th this year.