RAAVANA

Penumbral lunar eclipse
2024-04-02 11:00 - 2025-09-10 17:00 UTC
Witness the subtle and sophisticated beauty of a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse with RAAVANA. Unlike a total eclipse, a penumbral eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the faint, outer part of Earth’s shadow, known as the penumbra. This causes a delicate darkening of the Moon’s surface, creating a unique silver-gray hue that is a delight for astrophotographers and skywatchers alike. At RAAVANA, we provide the high-contrast optical equipment needed to observe these minute changes in lunar luminosity.
Our live session will guide you through the phases of the eclipse, explaining the celestial geometry of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. We will discuss why penumbral eclipses are more frequent yet harder to detect than umbral eclipses, and how atmospheric conditions affect the view. Whether you are observing from your backyard or joining our virtual telescope stream, this event is a perfect opportunity to refine your observational skills and deepen your understanding of our lunar neighbor.

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks
2024-03-29 21:00 - 2025-07-01 22:30
Witness the rare appearance of Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, a massive volcanic comet that visits our inner solar system only once every 71 years. Known for its distinct “horned” appearance and sudden brightness outbursts, this celestial traveler is currently visible to the naked eye under dark skies. At RAAVANA, we are tracking its trajectory across the constellation of Taurus, providing real-time data for astronomers and enthusiasts to witness this once-in-a-lifetime cosmic event before it disappears back into the outer solar system.
Our research focuses on the “cryovolcanic” activity of 12P/Pons-Brooks, where heat from the sun causes the comet to eject plumes of ice and gas. RAAVANA’s observational guide includes precise star maps and the best viewing times for the South Asian region. Whether you are using professional binoculars or a backyard telescope, our guide ensures you can spot the comet’s glowing green coma and magnificent tail. Don’t miss this opportunity to observe a relic from the formation of our solar system.

Summer astrology courses for kids
2024-03-13 10:00 - 2025-06-20 16:30
Inspire the next generation of space explorers with RAAVANA’s Summer Astrology Courses for Kids! Designed for young minds aged 8 to 15, this interactive program turns the mysteries of the universe into an exciting learning adventure. Students will explore the solar system, learn to identify major constellations, and understand the basic movements of planets. Our mission is to spark curiosity and foster a lifelong love for the cosmos through fun, hands-on activities and visual storytelling.
Our summer curriculum combines science with creativity. Kids will participate in virtual “Star Parties,” build their own scale models of the solar system, and learn how to use beginner-friendly telescopes. Each session is led by expert educators who simplify complex astronomical concepts into easy-to-understand lessons. By the end of the course, every child will receive a “Junior Astronomer” certificate from RAAVANA, marking the beginning of their journey into the vast wonders of space.

Astronomy guide 2024
2024-03-12 13:30 - 2024-05-28 17:00
Embark on a celestial journey with the RAAVANA Astronomy Guide 2024. This comprehensive resource is designed for both amateur stargazers and seasoned astronomers to navigate the night sky throughout the year. From tracking the phases of the moon to identifying major constellations and planetary alignments, our guide provides precise timings and coordinates tailored for the South Asian region. At RAAVANA, we aim to make the wonders of the universe accessible to everyone through scientific clarity and expert observation.
The 2024 edition features a detailed calendar of significant astronomical events, including meteor showers, lunar eclipses, and the best dates for viewing the Milky Way. Our guide also includes technical tips on telescope calibration and astrophotography techniques to help you capture stunning images of deep-sky objects. By integrating satellite data with traditional observational methods, RAAVANA ensures that you are always looking at the right place at the right time.

A night at the Museum
2024-02-19 08:00 - 2025-05-19 17:00
Experience the museum like never before as the sun sets and the galleries transform into an atmospheric world of mystery and wonder. “A Night at the Museum” offers an exclusive after-hours journey where history breathes and the past comes to life under the soft glow of moonlight. This immersive event allows visitors to explore world-class exhibits without the daytime crowds, featuring guided torchlight tours, live acoustic music in the grand rotunda, and curated storytelling sessions that reveal the hidden secrets behind our most famous artifacts.
Beyond the tours, the evening is designed to be a full sensory experience, blending culture with modern luxury. Guests can enjoy signature cocktails and gourmet refreshments while engaging with expert curators who share “behind-the-scenes” tales of discovery. Whether you are wandering through the halls of ancient civilizations or standing beneath the towering skeletons of the dinosaur gallery, this event promises a magical and sophisticated evening that turns a standard museum visit into an unforgettable midnight adventure.

Binoculars and telescopes workshop
2024-02-13 09:00 - 2025-05-24 23:30
Unlock the secrets of the night sky in our hands-on Binoculars and Telescopes Workshop. This session is specifically designed to bridge the gap between simple stargazing and professional observation, teaching participants how to choose, calibrate, and master the right optical tools. From understanding lens coatings and magnification power to learning how to align a computerized equatorial mount, our expert instructors provide step-by-step guidance to ensure you can navigate the heavens with precision and clarity.
During the workshop, you will have the unique opportunity to test a wide range of high-end equipment, ranging from portable wide-field binoculars to powerful deep-space telescopes. We don’t just teach you how to look through the glass; we show you how to find distant galaxies, track moving planets, and even capture stunning lunar details with your own eyes. By the end of this immersive experience, you will have the confidence and technical knowledge needed to set up your own backyard observatory and begin your personal journey through the cosmos.

The Full Moon rise watch
2024-01-16 15:00 - 2025-04-25 19:00
Witness the breathtaking beauty of the lunar cycle with our Full Moon Rise Watch. As the sun dips below the horizon, we gather on the museum’s open-air observation deck to welcome the rising moon in all its radiant glory. This guided event offers a tranquil and awe-inspiring atmosphere, allowing participants to observe the “moon illusion”—where the moon appears much larger and more golden as it sits near the horizon. It is a perfect moment for meditation, photography, or simply appreciating the celestial alignment that occurs only once a month.
Our resident astronomers accompany the viewing with fascinating insights into the names and lore of each month’s moon, from the Wolf Moon of January to the Harvest Moon of autumn. While the naked-eye view is spectacular, we provide high-powered binoculars and wide-field telescopes to help you see the craters, “seas,” and mountain ranges of the lunar surface in stunning detail. Whether you are a seasoned observer or a curious first-timer, this event connects you directly to the rhythms of the natural world and the vast beauty of our nearest celestial neighbor.

Polar lights study trip
2024-01-15 22:00 - 2025-03-07 23:30
Polar lights, or auroras, occur when high-energy charged particles emitted by the Sun interact with Earth’s magnetosphere and collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the upper atmosphere. These interactions produce visible emissions across green, red, and violet wavelengths, offering direct insight into solar activity, geomagnetic field dynamics, and plasma behavior in near-Earth space. Auroral observations serve as a natural laboratory for studying space weather processes that influence satellite operations, navigation accuracy, and radio communications.
RAAVANA’s Polar Lights Study Trip is designed as a structured scientific program combining field observation with data analysis and theoretical learning. Participants gain exposure to real-time auroral monitoring, geomagnetic measurements, and space weather modeling while understanding the global relevance of high-latitude phenomena to equatorial regions like Sri Lanka. This program strengthens expertise in space environment analysis and supports RAAVANA’s mission to build advanced capabilities in aerospace research and satellite resilience.

The winter solstice watch
2024-01-08 10:00 - 2025-02-18 15:30
Celebrate the shortest day and the longest night of the year with our annual Winter Solstice Watch. This event marks a significant astronomical turning point as the Earth’s pole reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun. We invite you to join us at the museum’s highest observation point to witness the early sunset and welcome the “return of the light.” It is a time-honored tradition that connects modern science with ancient history, exploring how civilizations throughout time have tracked this celestial milestone to mark the changing seasons.
As the long night begins, our astronomers will guide you through the crisp winter sky, which offers some of the clearest views of the entire year. With the Sun at its lowest noon altitude, the solstice provides a unique opportunity to discuss planetary motion and the mechanics of our solar system. We’ll provide warm refreshments and heated viewing areas as we use our telescopes to locate winter constellations like Orion and the Pleiades. It is an evening of reflection, education, and community, celebrating the quiet beauty of the midwinter sky.

Watching Geminid meteors
2024-01-06 15:30 - 2025-01-18 19:00 | Manhattan Club, NY
Prepare for a spectacular celestial fireworks display with our Geminid Meteor Shower watch. Often considered the most reliable and prolific meteor shower of the year, the Geminids are unique because they originate from an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon rather than a comet. This results in “asteroid crumbs” that are denser than typical comet dust, creating bright, slow-moving, and often multicolored streaks—ranging from yellow and white to hints of green and blue. Under peak conditions in mid-December, lucky observers can spot up to 120 to 150 meteors per hour, making it a must-see event for every skywatcher.
Our guided observation takes place at the peak of the shower, typically between December 13th and 14th, when the radiant in the constellation Gemini is highest in the sky. Unlike many other showers that require waiting until the early morning hours, the Geminids often put on a great show as early as 9:00 PM. We provide a comfortable, dark-sky environment away from city lights, complete with reclining chairs and warm refreshments. Our experts will help you train your eyes to scan the entire sky, ensuring you don’t miss the dramatic “earthgrazers” or the brilliant fireballs that make the Geminids the grand finale of the astronomical year.

Over the mountains trip
2023-12-28 10:00 - 2025-01-05 17:00 | Manhattan Club, NY
Embark on an unforgettable expedition to the high-altitude peaks, where the air is thin, the sky is crystal clear, and the stars feel close enough to touch. Our “Over the Mountains” trip is a curated journey designed to escape the light pollution of the city and reach the world’s most pristine dark-sky sites. This adventure takes our members deep into the mountain ranges, providing a stable and transparent atmosphere that is essential for deep-space observation. It is a true explorer’s retreat, blending the rugged beauty of the wilderness with the sophisticated science of modern astronomy.
During this multi-day trip, participants engage in intensive stargazing sessions using portable high-power equipment, guided by our senior astronomers. Daytime activities include hiking to geological landmarks and learning about the atmospheric conditions that make mountain peaks the preferred location for the world’s largest professional observatories. In the evenings, we gather around campfires to discuss celestial navigation and the history of the constellations visible above the ridgelines. This trip is more than just a tour; it is an immersive experience that reconnects you with the natural world and the vast, silent beauty of the universe.

Stargazing for beginners
2023-12-15 10:30 - 2024-12-24 17:00 | Manhattan Club, NY
Stepping out under a blanket of stars can be overwhelming, but our “Stargazing for Beginners” program is designed to turn that mystery into a lifelong passion. We start with the absolute basics, teaching you how to orient yourself using the North Star and how to identify the major “anchor” constellations like Orion, the Big Dipper, and Cassiopeia. You will learn how to use a planisphere (a star wheel) and mobile sky-mapping apps to navigate the celestial sphere. This introductory course removes the technical jargon and focuses on the joy of discovery, proving that you don’t need expensive equipment to begin your journey into the cosmos.
Once you’ve mastered the naked-eye basics, we introduce you to the “tools of the trade.” You’ll get hands-on experience with entry-level binoculars and telescopes, learning how to focus on the Moon’s craters or see the rings of Saturn for the very first time. We also cover essential tips for “dark-sky etiquette,” such as using red light to preserve your night vision and choosing the best local spots for observation. By the end of this session, the night sky will no longer be a random collection of lights, but a familiar map filled with stories, science, and endless wonder.
