Tourists in Jaipur may soon find an added attraction amidst all the existing views and experiences offered by the desert state. The state has launched an innovative night sky tourism for its visitors free of cost. The project was inaugurated by the state government’s Minister of Art & Culture in the presence of the Chief Secretary, with an objective to bring more tourists to Rajasthan. The tour circle includes viewing of celestial bodies on special occasions across different spots across Jaipur.
Specific episodes from the astronomical timeline to be shown
With a focus on specific astronomical events that happen from time to time, the Department of Science & Technology has prepared a list of episodes to be included in the maiden project. The allures offered by the night sky tour circle include moon watching at Jawahar Kala Kendra on the day of the launch and the telescopic view of Saturn, Mercury, Jupiter & Venus from Jantar Mantar on February 11. While tourists may flock to Albert Hall for watching the Jupiter-Mercury conjunction on March 5, they will be offered a closer view of the year’s biggest moon from Amber Durg on May 26. Additionally, Mercury will be shown from Amber Fort May 17 and Venus will be shown from Albert Hall on July 3.
A step towards encouraging curiosity and boosting scientific temper
The Minister of Art & Culture stated that night sky tourism would encourage people towards science and astronomy in addition to helping the students and researchers interested in heavenly bodies. He further said that the night sky show from different spots would boost the scientific temper of the general public. The Chief Secretary joined him in appreciation of the calm night sky, saying that a refined view of the moon displaying its pits and craters would motivate people’s curiosity about Akash Ganga.
Secretary of Art and Culture and Science and Technology said: “The state government’s objective is to inculcate scientific thinking among people, to make people aware about the happenings in nature in a scientific way. For this, night sky tourism has started. As per the astronomical scenario every month, this facility will be available free of cost at different places on different days.”
