Instructions for Stargazing and Camping at Mahuli

• Carry your id proof like an Aadhaar card, a PAN card, driving licence.
  Carry warm clothes (Jackets, sweaters, shawls). The temperature drops considerably (13-14 Degrees) during the nighttime.
• The Campsite is close to the forest area, so please wear socks and shoes if possible.
• Carry a torch, you will need it in the dark. Als,o don’t forget to cover it with red cellophane paper (gelatin paper).
• We will advise you to carry some snacks and soft drinks since you won’t be able to buy anything around the field. Please carry drinking water bottle, you will be able to refill the water.
• Carry your medication and mosquito repellent cream.
• Carry a Diary and a Pen in case you want to make notes of things.
• Tents other than the ones set up by us are not allowed. Please do not carry any personal tents of your own.
• Drinking and smoking in the observation field are strictly prohibited.
• Basic washroom facilities are available at the campsite.
• This is an edutainment program. All are requested to maintain the spirit of the program and cooperate. No unruly behaviour toward fellow participants will be tolerated.
• Parking facilities for private vehicles are available.
• No one should wander off the field. Do not visit the forest area on your own, even during the daytime.
• Any kind of misbehaviour that causes a disturbance to other participants will not be tolerated, and immediate action will be taken against the person or the group.
• An important point to remember Stargazing Mumbai is a volunteer-based group of Amateur Astronomers. Our aim is to spread and popularise Astronomy.
• We do not call unless requested from your side. We have an official email ID: stargazingmumbai@gmail.com and phone number: + 91 9112662662, + 91888988422. These are the only modes we will use for contacting you. Please be aware that we will not be calling/ emailing from any other number/ email id.

Itinerary for Stargazing at Mahuli

Reach Asangaon station at 4:30 PM

Those coming by Private Vehicle have to reach before 6:00 pm at Campsite

• 5:30 : Head towards the Mahuli Village
• 6:00 : Reach at Stargazing Mumbai Mahuli Observation Site
• 6:30- 7:00 pm: Registrations
• 6:30 – 7:30 pm: Sightseeing and Evening Snacks
• 7:30 – 8:00 pm: Orientation and Introduction to the night sky
• 8:00 – 9:00 pm: Constellation Session I
• 9:00 – 10:00 pm: Telescope Viewing I
• 10:00 – 11:00 pm: Dinner Break
• 11:00 – 12:00 pm: Astronomical talk by expert followed by Q&A

• 12:00 – 12:30 am: Constellation Session II
• 12:30 – 1:30 am : Telescope Viewing II
• 01:30 – 2:00 : Tea Break
• 2:00 – 2:30 am: Constellation ( Nakshatra ) Session III
• 2:30 – 3:30 am: Telescope Viewing III
• 3:30- 5:00 am: Telescope Viewing IV (Enjoy the Sleeping in Tent)
• 5:00- 7:30 am : Rest Time for all
• 7:30- 8:15 am : Breakfast
• 8:00- 9:00 am: Watch Sunspots through Telescope
• 9:00 am : Event End

This itinerary and Stargazing are subject to clear skies – in case the skies get cloudy the organisers may not be able to do much and a refund will not be possible.

This being said, keep your fingers crossed for clear skies.

• Prior Registration and payment is compulsory for all the participants.
• You will be responsible for your personal belongings. If you are carrying telescopes, binoculars, tripods stands, camera etc., then please be careful with your own equipment. We will help you with setting the instruments, if you require it.
• Smoking and Drinking Alcohol is strictly prohibited on the field. Drunken participants will be asked to leave the field immediately. The organisers reserve the right to remove offending participants from the field.
• Stargazing Mumbai is not liable in any form for any kind of medical emergencies during the event.

• Private vehicle: People traveling by private vehicle can use Google Maps to reach our location. You can access the link by clicking here.
• Public transport: People traveling by public transport can reach Asangaon station by central railway. We will have a bus ready near the station to take you to our Mahuli Observation site. You are expected to reach the Asangaon Station between 4:30 pm and we are leaving from Asangaon station at 5:00 pm.

• What does the ticket cost include?
  The stargazing ticket includes evening snacks, dinner, breakfast, and tea. It does NOT include the transport cost. If you require transport from the Asangaon Station, you will have to book a transport ticket in addition to the stargazing ticket.
• Will there be a bonfire included?
  No, we do not include bonfires as this fails the purpose of stargazing. Our sessions are scheduled to cover most of the night in order to observe a maximum number of deep-sky objects. As the night progresses, new constellations rise, this provides us an opportunity to witness several different objects through telescopes.
  Further, bonfires serve as a hindrance as the light from the fire affects our eye’s adaptation to the dark night sky. It will not allow us to see the naked eye astronomical objects and the fainter stars that would otherwise be clearly visible without the light. The smoke from the fire will also block the night sky hence resulting in a poor stargazing experience. Our event field sites are carefully selected in order to provide one of the clearest skies around Mumbai. We hope to provide the audience with a worthwhile astronomical experience that is difficult and not easily available under the city skies. Hence, our events are planned out so that the participants can make the maximum of these starry nights.
• How far is Mahuli from the Asangaon Station?
  The Dehene site is 5km from the Asangaon Station.
• How is the road condition?
  The roads to the site are very well-developed. It will pose no issue for vehicles.
• How far is the Dehene site from the National Highway?
  The site is 4km from NH-548A.
• Are washrooms and drinking water available?
  Yes, we have makeshift washrooms and available drinking water supply. It is recommended to carry bottles which can be refilled.
• Will there be a network on the field?
  Yes
• Will there be security?
  Our facilities extend to a certain limit in the field. Lights are fencing the field to ensure security. However, if you wander off the site, we will not be responsible.