Astronomy is not just another subject.
It is the oldest science which connects history, culture, architecture, art and various domains of science to mathematics. The new education policy (NEP) enlists multi-disciplinary teaching and experiential learning as two fundamental pillars of education. Astronomy naturally fits the bill for both.
When children look at Jupiter’s Moons, the craters on the lunar surface, or Saturn’s rings for the first time, they experience the first encounter with the cosmic neighbourhood. A child who learns to find directions using stars and constellations stops being afraid of the dark, and learn to embrace the night, making him (her) ready to adapt to adverse situations in life.
But astronomy goes beyond stargazing. At Starscapes it includes introduction to the finer details of engineering design and science behind rocket launch in our rocket workshops; rendezvous with the invisible nebulae and galaxies at stargazing sessions in dark locations, and exploration of the role of magnetism in sustaining life on Earth during our Sun shows.
Astronomy inspires children to ask deeper questions about their natural surroundings including the sky. It makes them connect with nature, thereby laying the foundations for a sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle which is better for their physical and mental well being.
When children explore spectrum of light, or learn about the functioning of optical elements of a telescope, they develop a better understanding of how seemingly mundane topics in science, maths and engineering come together to unravel the laws of nature, and how scientists use them on a daily basis to make our lives easy through technology. They understand how calendars have evolved and why, how ancient people knew when to sow seeds and seek shelter on highlands from floods. They know why Diwali does not fall on the same date every year, or why certain cultures believe that spotting particular double star systems is a good omen for a happy life for newly married couples.
Children who learn astronomy show improved critical thinking, problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and computational thinking, along with higher scientific temperament and mathematical ability. They also become more patient and perseverant—qualities rare in young ones today.
The benefits of studying astronomy are a consequence of the fact that it is not just about looking at celestial objects magnified through a telescope, but rather a window to the functioning of the universe and exploring the bond we as a species share with the cosmos at large.
Astronomy literacy can change anybody’s perspective towards life, and make them humble just with the realisation of the vastness of the universe. We are fortunate to have the ability to try to understand the cosmos in our very limited time on a tiny blue dot (aka Earth). For a child, an opportunity to learn Astronomy, or see through a telescope can change the direction of their career, or at least play a crucial role in enhancing their interest in STEM subjects. And that is why every child deserves a chance to experience Astronomy at an early stage in their formative years—not to become astronomers or scientists, but better citizens and responsible human beings.
