ICARD-FC

IUCAA Center for Astronomy Research and Development Fergusson College (Autonomous), Pune (ICARD-FC)

Ferugsson College has been recognized as the Iucaa Center for Astronomy Research and Development – ICARD Center from August 2024 due to its consistent efforts towards Astronomy and Astrophysics activities for more than two decades under the Astro Club. The Department of Physics, Astro Club has produced more than 106 + Professional Astronomers (MS in Astrophysics, PhD and Post Doc.s in Astronomy and Astrophysics) engaged in various institutions in India and abroad.

Dr. Raka Dabhade

Asso.Prof. & former Head, Dept. of Physics

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raka.dabhade@fergusson.edu

Gajanan Harale

Asst. Prof. Dept.of Physics

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gajanan.harale@fergusson.edu

Manish Hiray

Asst. Prof. Dept.of Physics

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manish.hiray@despune.org

There are about 40 ICARDs in the country established at various Universities and Colleges. The main aim of these ICARD centers are:

To contribute towards the development of innovative teaching methods for Astronomy. This can include the development of designing course structures and new experiments/data analysis sessions which can be a part of a starting or existing Astronomy course in a University. They can also try and inculcate distant learning programs and come up with suggestions as to how they can be implemented for popularizing the subject.
They are supposed to hold frequent workshops/schools/meetings/exhibitions at various levels at the host University/College for the benefit of the nearby regions.
To chalk out an active public outreach program for Astronomy.
To establish a visiting Centre where students from nearby institutions can frequently visit.

In this regard students / teachers from other schools and colleges can contact us regarding any Astronomy, Astrophysics related activities.

ICARD-FC calender : 2025-2026

Weekly meetings, Alumni interaction, Meteor shower observations, General Disussions – GDs, Exhibition, Workshop on Data Analysis, Frontiers in Physics (National Students Seminar), School outreach, Radio Telescope installation, Students Projects.

Facilities available:

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Office

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Class room

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Astro club Library

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Filters

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Observatory Dome

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Radio Telescope

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CCD

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DSLR camera

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Telescopes:

Reflecting, Refracting, Cassagrain GoTo (9.25 inch)

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Photometer

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Software

Activities under College Astro Club:

The Astro Club has been carrying out various activities for more than 25 years and has produced more than 110 Astrophysicists contributing in various institutions in Indian and Abroad.

Frontiers in Physics (When Physics Turns into a Festival)

The Astro Club Poster Exhibition is a vibrant launchpad for our annual calendar, igniting a passion for astronomy and astrophysics. This signature event brings together our dedicated members who form teams to tackle a captivating astrophysical theme. Each team delves into a specific facet of the chosen concept, meticulously crafting posters and captivating models that translate complex scientific ideas into visually stunning and easily digestible formats.

The culmination of this collaborative effort is a two-day public exhibition. Here, the Astro Club transforms into a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange. Visitors of all ages and backgrounds have the opportunity to embark on a guided exploration of the cosmos through our informative displays. Our enthusiastic volunteers, armed with their in-depth knowledge, stand beside their creations, ready to answer questions and ignite a sense of wonder about the universe we inhabit.

Annual Poster Exhibition (Unveiling the Cosmos)

The Astro Club Poster Exhibition is a vibrant launchpad for our annual calendar, igniting a passion for astronomy and astrophysics. This signature event brings together our dedicated members who form teams to tackle a captivating astrophysical theme. Each team delves into a specific facet of the chosen concept, meticulously crafting posters and captivating models that translate complex scientific ideas into visually stunning and easily digestible formats.

The culmination of this collaborative effort is a two-day public exhibition. Here, the Astro Club transforms into a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange. Visitors of all ages and backgrounds have the opportunity to embark on a guided exploration of the cosmos through our informative displays. Our enthusiastic volunteers, armed with their in-depth knowledge, stand beside their creations, ready to answer questions and ignite a sense of wonder about the universe we inhabit.

Other Activities

Group Discussions

Astro Club fosters a dynamic learning environment through engaging group discussions. These interactive sessions center around pre-selected topics in astronomy, astrophysics, and broader physics concepts. Members come together to share their perspectives, igniting lively debates and collaborative exploration. The discussions culminate with each participant summarizing their key takeaways, solidifying their understanding and fostering a collective pursuit of knowledge.

Workshops and Lectures

Astro Club regularly organizes workshops and lectures to foster a deeper understanding of Physics. Workshops invite distinguished professors who explore fascinating topics across broader fields of Physics, providing participants with valuable insights. In contrast, lectures are conducted by club members who specialize in specific topics, allowing them to share their expertise. To further encourage collaboration and engagement, these events often feature student-centric activities such as presentations and hackathons, offering participants a platform to apply their knowledge and work together on challenging problems.

Astronomy Sessions

The Astro Club regularly conducts stargazing sessions, telescope handling workshops, and radio astronomy activities. Each year, members gather to observe the Gemini meteor shower, tracking and analyzing the meteors and their compositions with detailed explanations. Telescope handling sessions are organized to teach members the proper and efficient use of telescopes, allowing them to enhance their observational skills. Additionally, solar observations are carried out using the ASRT, a small radio telescope built by the club’s members, where participants are introduced to the fascinating field of radio astronomy.

Alumni Meet Ups

One of Astro Club’s proudest traditions is its deep and enduring connection with its alumni. Every year, we welcome back a distinguished set of former members—now top-tier researchers, educators, and professionals—who return to share their journeys, insights, and the impact Astro Club had on their paths.

These Alumni Meets are more than just reunions—they’re living proof of the club’s legacy. Even after 28 years, Astro Club continues to be a launchpad for excellence, and our alumni, in turn, remain committed to guiding and inspiring the next generation. It’s this vibrant, inter-generational exchange that keeps the spirit of the club alive and ever-evolving.

Outreach

School Outreach

Conducting regular , interactive astronomy sessions, and telescope handling demos at schools to spark curiosity in the next generation.

Eclipse Outreach

Organizing mass observation sessions and educational campaigns during eclipses.

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