by M.H. Hamzah
After an epic journey, exploring the vast mysteries of the cosmos, the junior team of the Astronomical Society of Trinity College was able to secure the runners-up position in Star Party ’24, South Asia’s first and largest annual night sky observation competition and Astronomical workshop presented by the Anandian Astronomical Association in collaboration with the Astronomical Society of Mahamaya Girls’ College, Kandy.
The first rustle of the star party began a week before the actual night, as the team attentively listened to the online lectures in order to compete in the Quiz.
After 5 continuous days of lectures and assessments, the Juniors secured the 1st place in the online assessment, which was the first phase of the Star Party 24.
The most exciting night everyone awaited finally arrived, on the 2nd of February at 4.00 PM, when the team gathered at the Geography Block of the University of Peradeniya. The team composition was as follows:
- T.R. Dayaratne
- S. Dilrukshan
- M.H. Hamzah
- D.C.D. Jayasinghe
- G. Kritheeshkaar
- H.B. Suraweera
TCK’s young astronomers were fortunate to have a crystal-clear sky that welcomed them with its dazzling stars. The jaw-dropping view of Jupiter through the telescope was incomparable. The spark of Jupiter’s moons, Europa, followed by the grey rocky Ganymede, and then Calisto, added beauty to the view.
The knowledge gained by the team all these days in different fields of astronomy was put to the test by a spot test, viva round and MCQ. Trinity College emerged runners-up, after Seevali College Ratnapura.
At dawn after the team had gathered at the university ground to witness the launching of water rockets, the results were announced with Trinity College’s emerging runners-up, after Seevali College, Ratnapura.
The young astrophiles having filled their minds with the wonders hidden in the sky returned with an incredible achievement. The Astronomical Society of Trinity College is proud of their juniors and wishes them all the best in future endeavors.
A special note of thanks goes to Dr Viduranga Waisundara, who accompanied the students throughout the night during the competition.
