The Rotary E-Club of Metro Dynamix organised the Virtual Astronomical Observatory Tour Live from AL Sadeem Observatory, Abu Dhabi on 18th February 2025.
The live tour was organised under the project named ‘Shikshaa’, a community of practice that brought an exciting opportunity for students from five government schools in and around the city to explore the wonders of space in a Zoom meeting.
The session was handled virtually by Surender Ponnalagar, Resident Astronomer, Al Sadeem Observatory, Abu Dhabi.
This interactive session on astronomy marked the third program of the initiative, aiming to spark students’ interest in space science and technology.
The participating schools included Corporation Middle School, Thudiyalur; Panchayat Union Middle School, Govanur; Panchayat Union Primary School, Kathirnaickenpalayam; Corporation Primary School, Kavundampalayam; and Corporation Primary School, Ramasamy Nagar. Recently, each of these schools received smart boards donated by the Rotary E-Club of Metro Dynamix, enhancing their access to digital learning resources.
Surender Ponnalagar, Resident Astronomer at Al Sadeem Observatory, Abu Dhabi, and founder of the Open Space Foundation, captivated students with his insights into celestial bodies and space exploration. His foundation, in collaboration with the Rotary E-Club of Metro Dynamix, has been working through Project Vinveli to bring space science education to rural government school children.
“For students who may not have had access to such facilities before, this program is invaluable. It instils a sense of wonder and possibility, making science more tangible and inspiring them to pursue it further,” he noted. Emphasizing the importance of scientific curiosity, he added, “Observing the night sky can be a gateway to understanding the vastness of the universe.
Programs like these make science accessible to all, regardless of background. I hope these students continue their journey in science and perhaps even contribute to future space discoveries.”
Vidya Natarajan, Project Chairman & Secretary of the Rotary E-Club of Metro Dynamix, played a key role in bringing this initiative to life. She emphasized the importance of providing quality learning experiences to government school students and expressed Rotary’s & her commitment to continuing such initiatives.
“Our goal is to bridge the educational gap by offering students access to experts and advanced technology. Astronomy is a fascinating subject that can inspire young minds and broaden their perspectives. Seeing these students engage with science in such an enthusiastic way reaffirms our club’s mission to make learning more accessible and impactful,” she said.
Speaking at the event, Chitra, a graduate teacher from Corporation Middle School, Thudiyalur, highlighted the significance of such programs for government school students. “For many of our students, this was their first time seeing an observatory, even if only virtually.
It opens their minds to a world beyond textbooks, making science feel real and exciting,” she said. “Exposure to an astronomer at such a young age can ignite curiosity and a passion for science. The integration of smart boards has already enhanced classroom learning, and this program takes it a step further by providing real-world insights into space science.”
As part of the event, students interacted with the astronomer and embarked on a live virtual tour of the Al Sadeem Observatory. The excitement was palpable as they saw large telescopes, control panels, and live images of celestial objects. For many, it was their first time witnessing an observatory, and their faces lit up with amazement.
The tour provided an up-close look at astronomical instruments, offering students a rare opportunity to experience the workings of an observatory from afar. This hands-on experience enriched their understanding of space science and deepened their curiosity about the universe.
Saicharan, a student from Corporation Middle School, Thudiyalur, shared his enthusiasm: “I never thought I would get a chance to interact with an astronomer and learn about planets, stars, and black holes in such an engaging way. Seeing the observatory for the first time felt like stepping into a different world. It makes me dream of becoming a scientist one day.”
Nithin Venkatesh, a fourth-grade student from Panchayat Union Primary School, Kathirnaickenpalayam, added, “I never knew space was so big! Seeing the observatory was like looking into another world. I want to learn more about planets and stars.”
Aravind, fifth-grade student from Corporation Primary School, 49, Kavundampalayam expressed, “This was the most amazing experience. The telescopes and the live tour made me feel like I was really there. It has inspired me to study science more seriously.”
“The initiative aims to bridge the gap in science education by providing government school students with access to experts and advanced digital tools. By bringing astronomy closer to young minds, the program is shaping future scientists and encouraging curiosity-driven learning.
With such initiatives gaining momentum, government school students are proving that opportunities, when provided, can lead to limitless possibilities in education and beyond,” noted the Government schools.
