Govind Poteker
The much awaited moments of the year has arrived, summer time, when post academic fun and skill learning activities and sports camp picks up. Association of Friends of Astronomy which is managing the Public Astronomical Observatories is organising its annual Global Astronomy Month 2026 in collaboration with Bal Bhavan, Goa at their premises at Campal this year instead of Junta House, the iconic government administrative building that is earmarked for re-development. Zendaya delivers final something old, new, borrowed and blue look The Emmy Award-winning actress and fashion icon Zendaya has completed her method dressing streak amid ‘The Drama’s global press tour by stepping out at the New York premiere at Regal Union Square in a look by Schiaparelli with jewelry by Tiffany & Co. Zendaya stars opposite Robert Pattinson in A24’s ‘The Drama’, a film about a happily engaged couple whose relationship is put to the test when an unexpected revelation by the bride-to be sends their wedding week off the rails. As a play on the plot and perhaps as a cheeky nod to news that she is a newlywed herself after marrying longtime love Tom Holland, Zendaya and her stylist Law Roach have curated a series of looks that align with the wedding tradition of “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” It’s a well-known mix that, per Victorian-era codes, is meant to ward off evil spirits and deliver good luck to the couple. North West takes the stage during Kanye West’s concert for surprise duet All of the lights were shining on North West. The 12-year-old took to the stage alongside her dad Kanye “Ye” West during his concert at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium but their duets were no joke. In front of more than 70,000 attendees, North and her dad performed their two collab songs, ‘Talking’ and ‘Piercing On My Hand.’ For the occasion, North appeared with her now signature turquoise hair done into pigtails, black sneakers, black pants and a matching sweatshirt advertising the concert. The eldest of Ye and Kim Kardashian’s four kids styled the look with large black sunglasses on her face and a chunky, glittering skull and crossbones chain around her neck. Meanwhile Ye—for whom the performance marked his first time performing live in LA since 2021—donned an all gray ensemble. As for their tracks, ‘Piercing On My Hand,’ is a direct clapback at the haters who have criticized the tween for her fashion and body piercing choices. Sonam Kapoor shared her first picture with her newborn, welcoming their second child, a baby boy, accompanied by a note of gratitude. And the heartwarming moment is already melting the internet The president of Association of Friends of Astronomy, Satish Nayak, the brain child behind the programme says, “The Space Camp has been a launch pad for budding science lovers, astronomy buffs and intellectual brains from the last 18 years and it is a platform that tie ideation, creativity, innovation, technology, and intellect together. Global Astronomy Month was introduced in 2010 by US based Astronomers Without Borders in that year.” The Public Astronomical Observatory, which is till now operating from 7th floor terrace was started by founder president late Percival Noronha along with a few like-minded members in order to create awareness about astronomy and to inculcate scientific temper in students and local populace, where belief system is still very strong. This year too, the Space Camp programme looks as attractive as before that will bring out your creative best. ‘Young Scientist Seminar’ offers an opportunity to showcase yourself as future scientist, whereas ‘Debate’ will help one’s ability and self-confidence in placing your point about the ‘Existence of alien life’ and your prowess in grasping a subject. Apart from learning basics in astronomy, telescope workshops, optics, astronomy related software, robotics, photography and space science, the Space Camp initiates one into many skills that is needed in personality development, public speaking, writing ability and maintaining good health activities will help participants build up self-confidence and clear stage fear, which is a basic skill every person must learn. And, here is short camp for budding students to take their baby steps to glory. Beach astronomy, Archaeo-Astronomy walk in Old Goa and three day residential camp for the participants, and hands on activities are some of the other highlights of a month long programme. through interactive sessions with experts in the field. Do you have an idea to save Earth? Then, Leonardo da Vinci Day is dedicated to express your idea for good of Earth. And, Vasundhara 2026 is assigned for competitions, quiz and talks for the well-being of our blue planet, and resourcefully using limited resources available at our disposal. The camp also features the contribution of French astronomer Charles Messier, who opened up deep sky understanding and cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, who became the first human to f ly in space. The most unexpected thing about the camp is always expecting beyond expectation keeping one’s mind open for new ideas and develops skills in a playful way. But, one thing is sure that various Today, if the observatories and astronomy centres across the state functions successfully despite limited human resources, the credit must go to its young student members. Some of the young members who manages the Panaji observatory, Sumukh Kamat, Tanay Govekar, Maitreya Parab and Parth Borkar are the products of Space Camp, formerly Astrokids programme. They are the resource persons in basic astronomy as they have picked the subject quickly due to their passion. Besides, there are young enthusiast members at the other centres doing amazing work in promoting celestial science in nook and corners of the State. Though new education policy is a little dampener for the students as next academic year has begun, the camp organised by AFA has always remained an attraction to young minds. With the diverse topics that are included in the schedule, there is going to be something of interest to individual’s liking. So, be there to be part of it and widen your knowledge, and at the same time enjoy night sky with new found friends. Time to bond and learn the starry connection sans borders as the very idea ‘One People, One Sky’ is more relevant today as never before.
