The Oasis English Press sat down with Abhi Kumar, the Oasis Coordinator of the Astro Club to gain insights into the work undertaken by the club for Oasis ‘24. 

Abhi explained that their signature event, Night’s-Watch, will offer participants the opportunity to use the club’s two telescopes to observe celestial objects — ranging from constellations and galaxies to planets. He explained that Night’s-Watch would feature a variety of mini-events as well. Lasers and binoculars would be used to highlight constellations and planets. VR headsets would be used to show the night sky up close, alongside a sci-fi movie screening. Astropixel, a photobooth for astrophotography enthusiasts would also be set up. 

Abhi mentioned that the club conducted two other events — Everyone Dies and Quizzar. Quizzar, a play on the word quasar, is a quiz based on pop-culture astronomy which would be conducted in two stages — the prelims and the final round. Everyone Dies is a writing contest in which participants are presented with various scenarios and tasked with devising innovative methods to kill the most number of people in numerous creative ways. He also talked about how these events are not just for people who already know a lot about astronomy, but people interested in any aspect of astronomy.

Commenting on the issues they faced, he said that there was a ‘lack of communication’ and some delays regarding the Event Pitching Meet which had messed with the schedule. On a parting note, he said that everyone he had worked with so far had been pleasant and very approachable. He urged everyone to attend the various events, highlighting that there is something for every taste and preference.