Students have own telescopes to see blood moon

Kollam: It's total lunar eclipse on Friday night in which the moon appears to be a globule of red. In the most extended celestial event this century, enthusiasts are expected throng planetariums and observatories to view the spectacle.

Here in Kollam, a group of upper primary school students are ready with a telescope they have manufactured on their own to view the blood moon.

The students of SNDP UP School in Pattathanam manufactured the telescope with the inputs they received from a science workshop conducted at the school.

They were guided by K. Thankappan, Breakthro- ugh Science Society member and an expert in manufacturing telescopes. “This academic year, the students focus on various study activities related to celestial bodies in the astronomical year 2018 – 19.," said N. Tennison, PTA president.

"They intend to expose beliefs related to celestial events by scientifically analysing it through experiments. The school PTA has extended wholehearted support to their endeavours.”

Their telescope costs around Rs 10,000, which was funded by the PTA. They have manufactured four telescopes, of which one is large range and others mid-range.

The students themselves have chosen the specifications including the optical tube, lenses, and focus adjusters.

The core team included 15 students from various classes. The telescope will be set up at the school on Friday night to witness the longest celestial event starting from 10.44 pm and ending at 4.58 am the next day.

Special arrangements have also been made for the public to view the blood moon through the telescope. Students will serve them hot tea and snacks.