Astro tourism is gaining popularity in India, with various places promoting and enhancing the experience of stargazing. Many privately owned observatory chains encourage tourists to stay in hotels and homestays from the Himalayas to the Aravallis for the ethereal cosmic experience. In that, Starscapes has come up as a leading brand which has been bringing dreams of making a wish on a shooting star to fruition. Enthusiasts can experience the breathtaking Geminids Meteor Shower, known for its stunning fireball displays, visible from December 12 to 15 at Starscapes Observatories.
We have culled out all you need to know for a holistic experience of the cosmic movements with Starscapes. Peruse your calendar and make the relevant bookings for the Geminids Meteor Shower this December.
The Geminid meteor shower is a spectacular sight to behold, illuminating the December night sky when meteor activity is at its highest. This well-known meteor shower orbits the Sun every 1.4 years and originates from the debris of the asteroid 3200 Phaethon. It was named after the chariot driver in Greek mythology. Despite having humble beginnings, the Geminids have evolved into a captivating celestial display, promising observers a mesmerising show against the December night sky. The Geminids are one of the most reliable meteor showers, producing a peak of around 120 meteors per hour at their best.
Starscapes is the first chain of observatories in India, which was founded in 2017 by Ramashish Ray. Later in 2019, CEO Paul Savio joined the team. It provides a comprehensive astronomy experience to explore the skies beyond our stratosphere.
From December 12 to 15, the Starscapes Observatory in Jaipur will organise astrophotography workshops. Additionally, there will be special viewing events at Starscapes locations in Mukteshwar, Kausani, Madikeri, and the mobile observatory in Jaipur.
Get ready for an exclusive astrophotography workshop in Jaipur, where you will learn to capture the breathtaking beauty of the Geminids Meteor Shower. This workshop will cover essential aspects such as meteor shower photography, earth and sky astrophotography, Milky Way photography, star trail photography, selfie with stars, wide-angle deep sky photography, and post-processing. The whole affair provides a great opportunity to enhance your photography skills and capture stunning night sky images.
The charge for a basic astrophotography workshop including stay for a night is INR 15,000. The charge for an advanced astrophotography workshop including two nights of stay is INR 25,000. You can also choose to go with a workshop without lodging which is INR 5,000 for a single night and INR 10,000 for two nights.
Both workshops provide access to state-of-the-art equipment, including telescopes, binoculars, and cameras. Sessions on Jaipur's outskirts, with minimal light pollution, offer a star party-like setup and light snacks.
You can embark on a captivating journey and join Starscapes Observatory in Mukteshwar, Kausani, Madikeri, or their mobile observatory in Jaipur for an enlightening guided show of meteor showers away from the bustling city lights. This experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the mysteries of the night sky. You can learn about constellations and different types of meteors and gain insights into their fascinating origins.
The complete cost of stargazing is INR 2,500 which includes guided stargazing, light snacks, and a digital copy of your selfie with the stars.
For more information, visit their website.