Khagol Mandal is an organization of amateur
astronomer
An astronomer is a scientist in the field of astronomy who focuses their studies on a specific question or field outside the scope of Earth. They observe astronomical objects such as stars, planets, natural satellite, moons, comets and galaxy, g ...
s in
Mumbai, India
Mumbai (, ; also known as Bombay — List of renamed Indian cities and states#Maharashtra, the official name until 1995) is the capital city of the Indian States and union territories of India, state of Maharashtra and the ''de facto'' fin ...
. Established in 1985 by handful of astronomy enthusiasts, the organization has grown into a membership of 1000+ within past 24 years. Khagol Mandal completed 25 years in 2009. The organization was founded and is still based in Mumbai city of Maharashtra state of India.
The organization was founded a year before the arrival of the Halley's comet and succeeded in its intent to generate curiosity among the general public about the comet.
The organization had various geographical units located at Sion (head office), Dombivali, Nashik, Panvel and Pune. Now Sion and Nashik unit is functional. Each unit meets periodically (usually once a week) and conducts local astronomical programs and arranges lectures/slide-shows, etc. In addition each unit also runs its own library where members can avail of books on astronomy and related subjects. Each unit is assigned a head who reports to the central committee once periodically. The unit-head prepares monthly accounts, conducts inventories and arranges for all administrative requirements of the members.
In addition to the above units, the Mandal (as it is affectionately called by its members) owns land at Vangani in Thane district of Maharashtra state of India. This place and other nearby places in the vicinity are used to conduct observation sessions for the general public as well as for members. The secretary will periodically publish the dates on which these programs will be conducted. Generally the programs are conducted on Saturday evenings/nights nearest to the New moon day. This allows the observers to view the faint deep-sky objects without interference from the moon-light. Approx 8-10 programs open to public are conducted per year. The months of July, August and September are avoided which coincide with the Southwest Monsoon season in India.
The Mandal published two periodicals --- Khagol Warta in the local language Marathi (translated in English it means astro-news) and Vaishwik in English (which means Universal) for several years. While the Khagol Warta was published bi-monthly (six issues per year) the Vaishwik was published tri-monthly (four times per year).
See also
*
Amateur astronomy
Amateur astronomy is a hobby where participants enjoy observing or imaging celestial objects in the sky using the unaided eye, binoculars, or telescopes. Even though scientific research may not be their primary goal, some amateur astronomers m ...
*
List of astronomical societies
A list of notable groups devoted to promoting astronomy research and education.
Africa
* African Astronomical Society
South Africa
*Astronomical Society of Southern Africa
Asia
China
* Chinese Astronomical Society
India
* Akash Mitra Mandal
*A ...
*
Star party
A star party is a gathering of amateur astronomers the purpose of observing objects and events in the sky. Local star parties may be one-night affairs, but larger events can last a week or longer and attract hundreds or even thousands of partic ...
References
External links
Khagol MandalSAJ Vidnyan
{{Portal bar, India, Astronomy, Stars, Spaceflight, Outer space, Solar System, Education, Science
Amateur astronomy organizations
Organisations based in Mumbai
1985 establishments in Maharashtra
Scientific organizations established in 1985
Astronomy in India
Scientific societies based in India